SAFE Program Host Liability Guide
Current Georgia 4-H SAFE Team Operations
Georgia 4-H Safe Teams practice at a variety of locations. Clubs often hold practices on UGA, county, municipal or public-school properties. Some clubs use public or private shooting ranges. Civic clubs and other community groups also offer practice locations. Many times, certified coaches, parents or friends of the 4-H program let clubs use their properties for practices. The UGA Board of Regents has entered into license agreements with a small number of counties and a wastewater authority for 4-H SAFE Clubs to practice on their properties.
Concerns
Private property owners have asked for clarification on their potential liability associated with allowing 4-H groups to practice on their lands. This document provides guidance related to landowner liability.
Guidance
- The Georgia Recreational Property Act, O.C.G.A. Sec.51-3-20 through 51-3-26, provides very broad protection to landowners who make their property available for recreation without charge. County staff should provide a copy of the act to all private property owners allowing 4-H to use their properties. In most cases, property owners will not seek additional items or assurances.
- UGA can provide a Certificate of Insurance to private property owners as proof that UGA employees and volunteers operating under our supervision have liability coverage under state tort claims insurance. Property owners will be listed as certificate holders even though they are not covered by this insurance.
- If property owners want SAFE participants to sign liability waivers, the owners must provide the waiver and submit it to UGA Office of Legal Affairs for review before using it.
- SAFE Coaches and 4-H’ers may sign liability waivers that shooting ranges and gun clubs provide and require the public, their members and guests to sign in order to use their facilities.
- Private property owners may request a license agreement similar to agreements in place with counties and other public entities. UGA cannot agree to hold them harmless.
- UGA Office of Legal Affairs confirms that NRA Liability Insurance Policies are not needed. UGA coverage will always take precedence over private liability policies.
Summary
he Georgia Recreational Property Act was written to encourage landowners to make their lands and waters available to the public by limiting owners’ liability toward persons entering their properties for recreational purposes. We lead 4-H Shooting Sports for youth development purposes. Shooting sports are considered recreational uses.
This document provides general information on limiting liability. Private property owners desiring more detailed information on hosting 4-H SAFE Clubs should discuss any concerns with the local county agent. The State 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator can offer additional assistance, help start the process on Certificates of Insurance and License Agreements and coordinate with UGA Office of Legal Affairs as needed.
Contact: Craven Hudson, cfhudson@uga.edu, 706.542.5667
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (working cooperatively with Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the counties of Georgia) offers its educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status and is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action organization.