Another case that reaffirms the principle that a member of an unincorporated association cannot sue it.
Well, you can sue it but you cannot win.
Why is this so ?
An unincorporated association does not have a legal capacity or identity separate and distinct from it's members.
A member who sues the association is effectively suing themselves as they are suing an entity of which they are an integral and inseparable part.
Because the plaintiff in Doyle has established, on the evidence, that he was not a member at the material time he is free to sue the club.
Proving his case, on the merits, is another day's work.
WizardDr says rightly that a club member could be partly liable.
It could actually be worse.
If someone entitled to sue a club does so a plaintiff can effectively secure a joint and several judgment against the individual members.
Joint and several judgments can be executed in full or part against any one of those members.
If there is a failure of insurance cover this is a problem.