Inspired by real stories from Minnesota families Based on “Parents of two paralyzed Minnesota athletes want MSHSL to increase insurance coverage” by Allison Kite, published April 1, 2025, in the Minnesota Star Tribune
In youth athletics, moments of triumph can quickly turn into moments of tragedy. For two Minnesota families, that reality hit hard—when their sons were paralyzed during high school sports games. Their stories have now become a rallying point for proposed legislation that would strengthen catastrophic sports insurance policies in Minnesota and ensure consistent coverage across all grade levels.
The bill aims to compel the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) to provide a $10 million catastrophic injury policy that includes ninth-grade athletes—a group that was previously left uncovered.
Real Lives, Real Costs: The Case for Better Sports Insurance
In 2022, Ethan Glynn was paralyzed during his very first ninth-grade football game. When his father reached him on the field, Ethan could no longer feel his arms or legs. After months of hospitalization, Ethan returned home with permanent paralysis from the shoulders down. To their surprise, Ethan’s family discovered he was not insured under MSHSL’s plan—unlike varsity players.
“Ethan wore the same school colors, played with the same heart and represented the very same school as the JV and varsity,” said his mother, Cassidy Durkin. “Yet he was denied the same protection.”
The Glynns were left to pay out-of-pocket for critical needs like a wheelchair and van—costing over $125,000—on top of medical equipment, home modifications, and therapy.
Similarly, Jack Jablonski, paralyzed in a high school hockey game in 2011, exhausted most of the $2 million policy he received at the time. Jack, now 29, requires 24/7 care, with his parents testifying that claims for key services are often denied.
“These are not luxuries. These are necessities,” said his mother, Leslie Jablonski, referencing the unending list of medical needs, therapies, and equipment.
The Legislative Proposal: What’s at Stake?
The proposed Minnesota bill would:
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Increase the catastrophic injury policy to $10 million
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Extend coverage to ninth-grade athletes
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Prevent denial of claims for medically necessary treatments prescribed by healthcare providers
Senator Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis), who introduced the bill, argues that while recent updates by MSHSL—such as raising limits to $3 million—are a step forward, they don’t go far enough to meet the needs of severely injured athletes.
“This is unacceptable and untenable,” said Dibble. “A solution has to be found.”
MSHSL Pushback: Financial Challenges and Market Limitations
Despite growing support, MSHSL officials oppose the mandate, citing cost and feasibility. The league already pays over $750,000 annually for its current policy and estimates that a $5 million plan would add another $125,000 per year. League lobbyist Roger Aronson also noted that some of the proposed policy terms aren’t available in the current insurance market.
“We’ve talked to our broker, and that type of policy does not exist in the market,” Aronson told lawmakers.
A Wake-Up Call for Adequate Limits For High School Associations
The takeaway is clear: Today’s high school sports programs need comprehensive risk management strategies and well-structured sports insurance policies. Injuries like those suffered by Ethan and Jack may be rare, but when they occur, the impact is lifelong—and the costs are staggering.
At Sadler Sports & Recreation Insurance, we’re here to help state high school organizations:
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Evaluate liability coverage and gaps
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Select customized catastrophic accident policies
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Protect both student-athletes and athletic programs from devastating losses
“We want to get this stuff in place before the next Ethan or Jack happens, because it will,” said Corey Glynn. “It will eventually happen again.”
In My Opinion: A Practical Approach to Catastrophic Insurance Limits
By John Sadler, President, Sadler Sports & Recreation Insurance
Finding the right balance in catastrophic accident insurance is a challenge—State High School Associations are operating under real budget constraints. While it’s not feasible to fully insure for every possible outcome, coverage must still be substantial enough to support families dealing with catastrophic injuries. Many state high school associations carry so-called Cat/Cash policies with inadequate limits that don’t protect against true catastrophic injuries. Also, many allow each school or school district to purchase their own coverage, but they often purchase inadequate limits. However, $10M limits are not widely available in the marketplace.
Based on my experience, the most common insurance structure among U.S. schools includes:
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$5,000,000 Catastrophic Medical Limit
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$500,000 Cash Reimbursement Limit (to assist with non-medical expenses)
For those who want to learn more about the structure, rationale, and evolution of this coverage type, I highly recommend reading my blog: Catastrophic Accident Insurance. It covers:
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A history of catastrophic accident insurance in the U.S.
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How the right policy can help reduce lawsuit risk for schools and coaches
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How it works alongside Base Accident plans many districts already carry
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Why this coverage is excess to other collectible family insurance
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The features of Catastrophic Accident / Cash Insurance, particularly its role in helping victims of paralysis and traumatic brain injuries
If you’re a public or private school official and have questions about your current plan or would like a consultation, call Sadler Insurance at 800-622-7370 and ask for John Sadler.
Source:
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“Parents of two paralyzed Minnesota athletes want MSHSL to increase insurance coverage,” by Allison Kite, Minnesota Star Tribune, April 1, 2025
