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By making football player accidental injury insurance part of their program, Gridiron Victoria has given parents and players the confidence to get involved. Gridiron is one of the world’s most physical sports, and knowing they have protection if the unexpected happens has been a game-changer.
Overcoming fear and building trust in a high-contact sport
Gridiron Victoria has a proud history, but for years, growth has been held back by one big issue: fear of injury. As President Lynn Spence explains, “There’s been no focus on juniors and that’s where growth begins". Gridiron is one of the most physical games there is. Parents are shocked to learn that, until now, there was only public liability insurance.
“People often think public liability is enough, but it only covers incidents like a slip at the hotdog stand. It doesn’t help the player who gets injured in a tackle. I think that’s a big reason that parents have been hesitant to put their kids in the sport.
Lynn Spence, President, Gridiron Victoria
But it wasn’t just parents of juniors who were worried. Adult players also felt exposed. “For the seniors, those guys would be missing work if they got injured. That’s definitely a concern of theirs. Some say if there’s no insurance, they’re not playing. Gridiron is a full-contact sport, so there can be significant injuries,” Lynn says.
Enter Flip: Simple, affordable cover for everyone
When Lynn discovered Flip Group Active, Australia’s first on-demand accidental injury cover for football teams, it was a turning point.
“Gridiron Victoria has never had accident insurance. And that's why it was so important for me to find a provider that we could work well with together, and Flip made it easy.”
Lynn Spence, President, Gridiron Victoria
Setting up the cover was straightforward. “Honestly, the hardest part was convincing people the price was real,” Lynn jokes. “My board kept looking for the catch. But after checking the details, everyone agreed it was as simple and affordable as it sounded.”
Flip Group Active was purchased for all under-18 players, with the cost built into their fees. “We put all the info and the policy wording on our Facebook group so parents, players and coaches could see exactly what was included. There was zero pushback. The parents I spoke to seemed happy and relieved.”
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Confidence on and off the field
The impact of rolling Flip out has been immediate. “It’s helped to give everyone some peace of mind,” says Lynn. “I think it will be the difference for some people to feel safe and think, okay, now I can get out there.”
During a recent state tournament, three players were injured—two with minor issues, and one with a more serious knee injury. “While the medics were on the field, I was able to tell parents, ‘I feel confident right now because we have insurance in place.’ That’s a huge relief compared to how it used to be. It was just that confidence and peace of mind knowing there’s something there for them.”
Lynn believes the new cover will help grow the sport. “I definitely think it will encourage more kids and adults to join. People want to know they’ve got some protection, and now we can show them we take their safety seriously.”
Why Flip Group Active works for Gridiron Victoria
- Easy to set up: 100% digital, with clear information for families and players
- Affordable: No hidden costs, with cover built into player fees
- No admin burden: Claims are handled directly by Flip, not the club
- Real protection: Cash payouts for eligible injuries, from X-rays to hospital stays
Looking ahead: Making safety standard in Australian gridiron
Lynn’s vision is to make Flip Group Active a normal part of playing gridiron in Victoria and beyond. “We’ve started with the under-18s, but I want to see every player, tackle and flag covered every year. I’m sharing our experience with other state leagues, because this is what’s needed.”
His advice to other sports clubs? “If you’re not thinking about implementing this, I don’t think you’re doing the best by your members. Flip is a hidden gem. I’d encourage everyone to get it.”
Want to give your players and participants real peace of mind?
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable way to protect your players and build trust with families, Flip Group Active could be the answer. It’s easy to set up, covers most activities and can give everyone the confidence to get involved.
Contact the Flip team today to see how Group Active can work for your club or event.
Further reading
- Is fear of injury holding your participants back?
- Flip gives athletes another reason to love the Noosa Tri
- Thredbo’s extra layer of protection: Flip Group Active in action
Trusted by major brands
With over 40,000+ participants covered at more than 50+ events since 2023, Flip has demonstrated its reliability and commitment to providing valuable cover. Additionally, Flip is backed by HCF Life, which is owned by Australia's largest not-for-profit health insurer, HCF.
