Touch football was initially used as a form of practice for rugby players. Touch football has since progressed to a popular sport of its own. The rules of touch football are very similar to that of tackle football. The major difference is there is no tackling in touch football. Even without tackling, there are still risks to the safety of touch football players. As a result of injuries, many touch football associations find themselves facing legal battles with injured players.
Common Touch Football Injuries
Despite that the fact that touch football is considerably low contact in comparison to tackle football, touch football players still find themselves with bumps and bruises. Touch football players are susceptible to lower leg, hand, hamstring and head injuries. Injuries can include fractures, sprains, strains, dislocations, muscle contusions, black eyes, lacerations and concussions, according to the Better Health Channel. Injuries are the result of football maneuvers, lack of fitness level, poor technique, over-training and not wearing the appropriate protective equipment.
Release of Liability
Many touch football leagues require players sign a release of liability. Release of liability forms remove all blame from a touch football league in the event a player sustains an injury. The league will not cover any medical expenses or any other expenses that occur while you are recovering from your injury. This also means you cannot sue the league as a result of the injury you sustained. At this point, your own personal health insurance will have to cover your medical expenses.
Sports Liability Insurance
Touch football leagues have the option of purchasing sports liability insurance should they choose not to require their players to sign a release of liability form. Sports liability insurance protects a league against legal ramifications in the event a player is injured, according to Anthony Insurance Services. Liability insurance protects players, coaches, managers and owners in the event they sustain an injury on the league's time. Comprehensive coverage is available to protect youth and adult leagues and organizations.
Safety
A majority of touch football is played at leisure. Playing at your own leisure means deciding for yourself what type of protective gear you wear or do not wear. Touch football organizations may or may not have requirements for protective gear. However, a majority of published touch football rulebooks make no indications of what type of protective gear players should or should not wear. The Better Health Channel recommends always wearing a mouth guard. Depending on rules of your league, a helmet is also recommended. Players should always warm up before playing touch football to prevent injury. Making sure you are fully aware of the rules of the game can also help keep you safe during the game.
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