subject: Participation in Adult Athletic Programs [print this page] Participation in Adult Athletic Programs Participation in Adult Athletic Programs
Playing a sport now is not the same as when you played in high school. You might not run as fast as you did during your Most Valuable Player glory days. You might get tired a lot more easily. Your hamstrings are probably not as flexible at 30 years old as they were when you were 14 and a standout freshman. Regardless, you have chosen to continue your passion of playing what you have always enjoyed -- whether it be basketball, baseball, tennis, ice hockey, or any other sport. Adult athletic programs are available through a lot of communities' recreation departments, Police Athletic Leagues, and fitness centers. However, as fun as playing a sport might be, there is more at risk if you become injured or even disabled. You might have a family now who depends on you to be able to move around without using a sling or crutches, and you most likely have a full-time job that you cannot perform if you become injured.
When you want to have a good time and a good workout, the last thing you should have to worry about is how your athletic activities might affect your income and the bills that need to be paid. Sports-related injuries could possibly result in a broken limb or any other bone in the body. Unlike high school, when having a broken leg meant instant popularity with all of the students excited to try walking with your crutches and sign your cast, being temporarily disabled now could prevent you from going to work.
If you like playing sports but become temporarily disabled, you should consider applying for disability insurance. Some employers' benefit plans include temporary disability benefits. However, if you are self-employed or perhaps have not been working for your company for the minimum time required to receive benefits, buying your own plan would be wise. Disability insurance allows you to receive a percentage of your salary while you are not working. Once you have exhausted your paid sick days, if you have them, the insurance becomes active. Some employers might not require you to use any paid sick days or any other paid time off. This would be something to discuss with your boss.
Short term disability insurance usually pays you about 40 to 65 percent of your salary, depending on the policy you choose. Some plans could cover you for 3 to 6 months. When you become injured, benefits are most likely available immediately, because insurance companies understand that you must continue to earn some amount of money, even if it cannot be the full amount of your regular paycheck. Short term disability insurance benefits you and your family. While you are recovering, you do not have to worry that you will not be able to make any money at all. When you are injured and temporarily disabled, you and your loved ones should not have to stress over how to pay bills such as your electricity, cable, or even your rent or mortgage.
