In youth and amateur sports, risk management has moved from the sidelines to center stage. “Athlete safety – what we call risk management – used to be a nice-to-have. It’s now a must-have,” said Tyrre Burks (pictured), founder of Players Health. “To get insured, organizations must demonstrate how they’re actively mitigating risk.”
That shift reflects broader changes in underwriting expectations. “Five or 10 years ago, insurance applications were checkboxes with yes/no answers. Now, carriers require real proof of implementation,” Burks said. Today’s organizations must not only show they have policies in place but also validate that protocols are being followed in real time.
The transformation is driven by heightened awareness of complex risks – from concussions and overuse injuries to emotional trauma and abuse. Carriers and regulators increasingly expect accountability, not just intentions.
The scope of safety has broadened well beyond physical injuries. “Every organization is now required to have a reporting mechanism for emotional, physical, and sexual abuse,” said Burks. “That used to be optional. Now it’s non-negotiable.”
Mental health has become another area of focus. Sports organizations are investing in coach education, launching awareness campaigns, and adopting digital monitoring tools to stay ahead of potential issues. “We partner with MaxU, which offers daily three- to five-question assessments. It helps administrators, coaches, and parents spot early warning signs,” Burks said.
Proactive, tech-driven risk management is setting new expectations across clubs, leagues, and governing bodies. “It’s no longer about reacting after something happens – it’s about building the infrastructure to catch it before it escalates.”
Even as organizations step up their risk prevention, they face a tougher insurance market. “Liability towers used to be $5, $10, even $20 million. Now they’re lucky to get $1 million,” said Burks. “And the price hasn’t gone down. It’s gone up.”
One reason is the consolidation of coverage at the national level. Historically, clubs relied on umbrella policies through bodies like USA Hockey or Hockey Canada – a model that appealed to insurers by aggregating risk. But national organizations also became magnets for lawsuits. “If you’re going to sue someone, you sue USA Gymnastics – not the local club,” Burks said.
Now, the trend is moving toward decentralization. “We’re seeing local clubs buy their own policies – smaller limits, lower risk - instead of rolling everything up nationally,” he said. “It spreads the risk and can reduce exposure at the top.”
Alongside traditional risks, new threats are emerging. “Assault and battery is a new exposure,” Burks said. “We’re seeing a ton of these claims. Parents are more emotionally invested than ever, and it’s creating volatile environments.”
The shift from volunteer-driven leagues to commercialized, competitive models has also raised the stakes. “You’ve got paid coaches making six figures, national tournaments, and corporate infrastructure. These aren’t volunteer-run soccer leagues anymore,” he said.
The growth is attracting investment. “Billions of dollars in private equity is flooding into amateur sports,” Burks noted. “We’re seeing an explosion in travel, sports tourism, and specialized facilities – all of which introduce new insurance needs.”
Insurers are responding with targeted products. From travel medical coverage to registration protection, the market is evolving. “Parents are paying $6,000-$7,000 for travel volleyball. If their kid gets hurt and can’t play, registration insurance is the only way they get that money back,” Burks said.
As youth sports grows more competitive and commercially complex, insurance remains central to sustaining that growth.
The challenge ahead lies in balancing safety, accessibility, and cost – even as risks multiply. “The risk is changing. The cost is higher. That just increases the need for smart, flexible insurance solutions,” Burks said. “It’s about making sure sports can keep growing – safely.”
