[Rule 7.2.1] Change Player Eligibility

[admin]

Request: Drop required age to 18 (from 21)

Rule: 7.2.1 - "All players must be 21 and have current adequate health insurance."

Thoughts?
Admin

[Zak]

Circuit Events are more than just the kickball tournament, seems pointless to have people on the team who can't get in to the pre-party/after-party

[Trey it Up]

Yeah, I don't know that you want to put the Circuit in a position where you could potentially be held liable for underage people drinking at the fields or bars or whatnot.

[C-Rab Squaring]

Adequate health care is going to be very tough to police. I know circuit players who didn't or currently don't have health insurance. Don't circuit tournament operators purchase insurance and get waivers filled out?

[Zak]

Adequate health care is going to be very tough to police. I know circuit players who didn't or currently don't have health insurance. Don't circuit tournament operators purchase insurance and get waivers filled out?

having health insurance has been a requirement of just about every tournament, division, league, etc. Plus I'm pretty sure when you sign the waiver you state that you do in fact have health insurance. In theory finding out that someone doesn't have it would be the same as catching a team with an unregistered player.

[JellyDogg]

Fro and I can look after all the people under 21.

[PittsBurgheR]

I disagree. Insurance is a tough thing to deal with. Perhaps when the time comes, that you have EVERY player show their proof of insurance, OR have it for purchase through the Circuit, can you lower the age.

[The Slam]

Not a lawyer, but does it make you liable for anything else?

I could see it being an issue
- let's say you bring beer to the field, someone that's 19 takes a beer, cops come by, etc
- you set up a post party event, theres an open bar to players. Player A (19) shows up (the place doesnt check ID) - who gets in trouble if the person is later arrested for drunken disorderly conduct? - is it the bar who supplied the liquor OR the circuit for paying for the liquor (it was an open bar)?

[Zak]

Slam, in your second example the bartender is ultimately liable if cops check the 19 year old's id and prove he was drinking in the bar.

[PittsBurgheR]

Not a lawyer, but does it make you liable for anything else?

I could see it being an issue
- let's say you bring beer to the field, someone that's 19 takes a beer, cops come by, etc
- you set up a post party event, theres an open bar to players. Player A (19) shows up (the place doesnt check ID) - who gets in trouble if the person is later arrested for drunken disorderly conduct? - is it the bar who supplied the liquor OR the circuit for paying for the liquor (it was an open bar)?

Please bear in mind the police do have a right to be able to walk into your party at the bar and check on the distribution and conduct of the bar and it's customers.

[JellyDogg]

I don't think insurance will be an issue for this. Most people under the age of 21 are covered under their parents' insurance. It's more likely for people over 21 to be without insurance.

The alcohol issue I don't know. I didn't think you were allowed to bring alcohol to the field at a Circuit event (not that that stops anyone). I would think it's the bar's responsibility to check that people are over 21, although I think we could help out with colored wristbands in the afterparties (distinguishing between over 21 and under 21).

[Kickbot]

I think it would be a net benefit to get younger athletes involved in competitive kickball.

[Jared It Up!]

I don't think insurance will be an issue for this. Most people under the age of 21 are covered under their parents' insurance. It's more likely for people over 21 to be without insurance.

The alcohol issue I don't know. I didn't think you were allowed to bring alcohol to the field at a Circuit event (not that that stops anyone). I would think it's the bar's responsibility to check that people are over 21, although I think we could help out with colored wristbands in the afterparties (distinguishing between over 21 and under 21).

now the kids are covered until 26...I think.

[Smashley]

Slam, in your second example the bartender is ultimately liable if cops check the 19 year old's id and prove he was drinking in the bar.

This depends on what state you are in. Some states its the bartender/waitress/bouncer or all 3, others it is the bar itself.

[-APBT-]

Keep it at 21. Do the proof of insurance and "continued coverage for the entire season" or notification will be required of any changes at registration and then make everyone sign a waiver preventing the Circuit of any liabilities.