2022-2023 Safety Activity Checkpoints – Updated August 1, 2022 Page 15 of 217
Most insurance companies that have access to the accident history of bungee jumping have deemed
this activity high risk and dangerous.
Hang Gliding, Parasailing, Zorbing, Parachuting/Skydiving, and Untethered Hot Air Ballooning
are sports that also have inconsistent safety regulations, inconsistency of facilitation, and specific
insurance implications or exclusions. These are activities that carry a significant risk of bodily injury.
Insurance carriers with knowledge of these activities, from a loss experience perspective, view them as
a high safety risk, meaning they see frequent and/or severe accidents associated with these sports.
Privately Owned Aircraft. Flying in a privately owned aircraft is a very clear exclusion under GSUSA
and (most) councils’ commercial general liability insurance policies. In the event of an incident
involving an aircraft accident, GSMISTS would be financially liable for potential liability and resulting
lawsuits. Even with a specific non-owned aviation liability policy (if your council purchases this type of
policy, which it may not), a private plane is a separate and distinct insurable interest (compared to a
professional chartered aircraft tour). In other words, even under non-owned aviation insurance,
privately owned and/or operated planes are often excluded.
Outdoor Trampolines. Outdoor trampolines, particularly those with stilted metal frames, pose a high
risk of injury. The activity can result in sprains and fractures in the arms or legs—as well as potentially
serious head and neck injuries. The risk of injury is so high in the case of children that the American
Academy of Pediatrics strongly discourages the use of trampolines at home. Outdoor trampoline park
injuries also are an area of emerging concern. Indoor trampolines in a confined padded indoor facility
with higher supervision are far safer, but still not recommend for children under six years old. For
reference see: AAOS: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
.
Paintball Tag. Paintball tag is offered in specialized parks where participants shoot pellets of paint at
each other throughout an obstacle course, woods, or maze. The pressure used in a paintball gun is quite
strong. When hit by a paintball pellet, a person is certain to experience some pain, swelling, and perhaps
a bruise or welt for a couple of days. Shooting someone with a paintball pellet is likely to cause a minor
injury but has the potential to cause a more serious injury to eyes, mouth, ears, and throat. For these
reasons, paintball tag is prohibited. Target paintball shooting, however, is permitted.
Hunting. Hunting is a sport that requires handling firearms in the wilderness, high maturity levels, and
the availability of expert guides. Shooting accidents are common during hunting trips. This is also a
sport which rarely, if ever, is presented as an activity that members are interested in.
Jet Skis, Motor Bikes, ATVs, Snow Mobiles and Electric Scooters. Jet skiing, motor biking, and
riding snow mobiles, ATVs, and electronic scooters are prohibited due to the extremely high incidence
of serious injury involved. Most insurance carriers are not comfortable with these activities due to poor
accident history. Insurance companies require that an operator hold a valid driver’s license. Adults and
children riding on the back of motor bikes and jet skis as passengers are exposed to a high risk of
serious injury with no active opportunity to actually learn the skill.
Chartered Aircraft Trips and Aviation
Chartered small aircraft trips require prior GSMISTS approval for every flight. This activity is
permitted only with trip specific GSMISTS prior approval. The safety factors involving chartered
aircraft, equipment and pilots are transparent and readily verifiable, unlike private aircraft. Confirm
with GSMISTS ahead of time that chartered aviation participation is covered under the council’s general
liability policy or non-owned aviation liability insurance policy. Again, these policies will almost always
exclude privately owned aircraft.
GSMISTS will confirm that the aviation company has evidenced proper insurance showing at least one
million dollars aviation liability insurance and five million dollars umbrella. It is strongly recommended