Hi Everybody,
I am in the process of starting a club in Pennsylvania. I can’t rent out a space or anything, but there is a place that is probably going to let me meet there for free. The club will be free too–not a business–just an informal gathering to play and/or study. I’m just wondering whether I should be thinking about liability or any other legal issues? I figured that stuff didn’t matter since I don’t own or operate the facility, but I thought it couldn’t hurt to see what others have done who have already been in my place.
If anyone is interested, I’ve put up this primitive blogspot to start getting some internet visibility for the future club.
pikecountychessclub.blogspot.com
Thanks in advance for any info/advice/comments.
Good chess to you all,
Troy
The space probably already has liability coverage, but asking them about it might get the offer rescinded.
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I have started a number of chess clubs in the last 22 years of my playing chess. We did have dues for a limited number of these clubs, while most were free.
I really work to find a place to meet that is free, as you have done.
The latest club I started was a little under 4 years ago. I did a free web page as well. So the club had real documentation on the internet at least.
I have never worried about insurance for the club, except one time when a mall wanted us to have it for a simul. I got around that.
When you meet at public places, those places have liability insurance that covers the patrons. It also isn’t a real problem either. We also have met at both public places like restaurants where anyone from the public could walk up to you and your game(s), and places where we have our own designated space that is more private from the public.
I wouldn’t worry about it. As Bill Wong said, asking the place about insurance could very well get you knocked out of the place because of the concerns you raise to the management.
Thanks again everyone for your thoughts!