| IHRSA Report | In Brief O


IHRSA Gives Away Its Intellectual Property… to Its Members


ne of the distinct benefits of belonging to IHRSA is that it provides access to a wealth of information and expertise dealing, specifically, with the issues that health clubs are most concerned about. IHRSA- member organizations can, among other things, make use of the association’s extensive library of briefing papers addressing critical


subjects. The following is a small sample of the valuable resources available to members at www.ihrsa.org/publicpolicy.


Music Licensing What are BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC?


BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.), ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers), and SESAC (The Society of European Stage Authors and Composers) are the three major music-licensing organizations in the U.S. Together, they hold the licenses for nearly all popular music. Composers and publishers grant BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC the right to license, in bulk, the public performance of their copyrighted works.


Are clubs required to pay copyright fees?


If they play popular music—yes… unless they’re exempt under the Fairness in Music Licensing Act. Under this act, a club is exempt if it’s less than 2,000 square feet in size and uses background music from radio or television broadcasts; or, if it’s larger, if such music is “communicated by means of a total of not more than six loudspeakers, of which not more than four loudspeakers are located in any one room or adjoining outdoor space.”


Injury Liability


In general, what is a club operator’s responsibility regarding the safety of members and guests?


In the club environment, liability arises in four general categories: (1) maintaining safe conditions in spots such as pools, courts, exercise areas, locker rooms, and park- ing lots; (2) providing exercise programs appropriate to members’ physical conditions and abilities; (3) instructing and supervising members during exercise sessions; and (4) responding appropriately to accidents and medical emergencies.


Can waivers and releases protect a club from liability? Yes. In general, a carefully worded waiver, signed voluntarily,


can protect a club from liability. However, even well-written waivers have been deemed unlawful in some states. In determining whether a waiver of liability for negligence will be upheld, courts often consider the following factors: the existence of a duty to the public; the nature of the service performed; whether the contract was entered into fairly; whether the intention of the parties was clearly expressed; and the injured person’s knowledge of the waiver clause.


Eating Disorders/Exercise Addiction How can I help a member who has an eating disorder?


Ask your own physician for a list of mental-health professionals in the area who specialize in eating disorders. Talk to the member discreetly and, in private, suggest that they seek professional help, and let them know you’re there for support. Understand, however, that if they’re over 18 and in denial, they can’t be forced into counseling. They must recognize the problem and seek help when they’re ready. —|


.org 100 Club Business Internat ional | OCTOBER 2010 |


To access additional resources online, log on to www.ihrsa.org/publicpolicy. www. ihrsa.org


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