Smashed A Window @ Footy, Where do I stand!

cjeasom · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:03

Afternoon,

Me and about 15 of my mates have our usual wednesday early evening kick about on the local astroturf!!!

This has been goin on for about 4 months now and we block book the pitch from 5.30 till 6.30 in advance.

Now that is all fine and we have a 8 aside match width ways across the pitch. We were warming up and people were aimless thrashing the ball at the goalie and everynow and again the ball goes over the 8ft mesh fence often seen around these establishments.

I hit a ball with quite a lot of power obviously going for the goal and unfortunately spooned it and it travelled over the fence with some venom and smashed a double skinned window about (3ft by 2ft) that is situated about 3m's from the pitch.

Me being me I went and reported it to reception so that they could clean up the changing room to stop an injury! it was all reported immediately.

Upon finishing the kick about which we pay £18 for an hour on half a pitch the supervisor from the sports hall came over and said that we would have to pay for the damage.

Now correct me if im wrong but this infuriated me as he made a comment 'im sorry you will have to pay for the damage as the window was there first'

The sports hall is situated on a school premises but is run as a private sports complex at night.

I believe that we should not have to pay this as it should be covered under insurance! obviously they are aware of the threat of footballs hitting the windows as they have reinforced glass!!! therefore how can they expect to charge for damage to a window!!!!!!

Sorry to go on but this has wound me up no end, gonna find out the cost of the repair tonight.

/ i however will be fighting this charge and refuse to pay it out right for the most ridiculous window placement ever!!!

Thanks for reading

Chris :eek:

iCraig · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:05

Well if you don't pay, they'll probably stop you booking the pitch.

Not worth the hassle in my opinion.

spirit · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:06

you broke it? so you should pay? Maybe itd be covered on insurance but claims make premiums go up? I don't know.

benjo plz. · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:07

Theres a possibility that it would come under the centre's insurance, but it would also depend on the deductible and the cost of the windows replacement. (IE they have to pay a certain amount, and if it's over that amount, their insurance will cover the excess).

How much did they say you have to pay?

cjeasom · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:07

the astro turf was there before the building, i just find the charge ridiculous, after all there is no footage of the incident on CCTV I could have quite easily not reported it and if asked said it was kids with a hammer, however im an honest bloke and told them straight away!

Some people must see my point of view!

Vonhelmet · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:08

I'd say it's your responsibility.

I don't know if that sort of thing would even be covered by insurance...

fatiain · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:08

cjeasom said:
Smashed A Window @ Footy, Where do I stand!

Not on the broken glass hopefully.

Gilly · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:09

I wouldn't pay it.

The centre and the school must've considered these kinds of incidents when agreeing to open up to the public. They pay out for damages that occur through normal use, ie not misuse of provided equipment.

Nah, I wouldn't want to be paying for that kind of thing.

cjeasom · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:09

if i was to build a sports centre directly next to a football pitch I would definately ensure that the windows were protected, its just common sense!

Im not saying I will damn right refuse to pay the bill as I would definately pay it rather than go to small claims I just think i must have some stance

Greenlizard0 · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:10

I agree you have to take responsibility for your actions mate? It wasn't intentional by the sounds of it but the ball came off your boot and broke somebody's property!

cjeasom · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:10

thankyou Gilly, my sentiments exactly!

Dolph · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:10

You broke the window, you've probably agreed to pay for any damage caused as part of agreement to use the pitch.

I would say you should definitely pay for it on that basis.

fini · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:12

cjeasom said:
I believe that we should not have to pay this as it should be covered under insurance!

So they claim on insurance again and again and again as each and every week you smash the same window - meanwhile their premium rises and rises and rises. Why should they have to pay for your mistake?

fini

Supercow · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:14

You and your mates share the cost, if the club isnt covered.
Surely your mates would all suggest pitching in, since you were all playing together. I know thats how it would have been if me and my mates played football

benjo plz. · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:15

@fini
It might be that that want him to pay the excess.

How much do they want?

Phantom · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:15

You dont stand about at the scene of the crime... ruuuuun man, run!!!1

ALLI · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:15

"Smashed A Window @ Footy, Where do I stand!"

As far away as possible.

cjeasom · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:16

everyone has said they will pitch in for it if it comes to it, it aint a problem I can afford to pay for the repairs all im stating is that surely the window should be seriously toughened as there must be thirty of them across the side of the astroturf, surely someone should have done their research!

benjo plz. · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:17

cjeasom said:
I can afford to pay for the repairs

How much are they charging?

ALLI · 8 Mar 2006 at 17:17

Gilly said:
I wouldn't pay it.

The centre and the school must've considered these kinds of incidents when agreeing to open up to the public. They pay out for damages that occur through normal use, ie not misuse of provided equipment.

Nah, I wouldn't want to be paying for that kind of thing.

Public liability or something along those lines.

The club should be insured. Not your problem. As long as you've admitted it they cannot go for criminal damage as you've stated clearly it was an accident.