Watching your child participate in sports can be exciting. It can also be risky. Excitement can quickly turn to worry if your child gets injured. However, understanding the common causes, potential liabilities, and steps to take in case of injury can help protect your student-athlete’s rights and safety.
Understanding School Sports Injuries
There are many causes of school sports injuries. Here are the most common:
- Defective sports equipment: Using faulty sports gear can lead to serious injuries.
- Improper maintenance: Poorly maintained equipment and areas used for practice or play can pose risks.
- Negligence: Lack of proper supervision or failure to follow safety protocols can lead to preventable injuries.
Common injuries in school sports are:
- Concussions
- Eye Injuries
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Strains
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were an average of 283,000 emergency department visits annually among children for sports and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries from 2010-2016. Additionally, the National Safety Council reports that in 2023, 3.7 million people were treated in emergency departments for injuries involving sports. Basketball, football, soccer, and baseball/softball combined make up 948,339 of those injuries.
Are Schools Liable for School Sports Injuries?
School districts can be held liable for sports injuries if negligence is proven. Schools must ensure all sports equipment is safe and functional. School staff must also provide proper supervision in order to prevent accidents. This means coaches, staff, and volunteers must be knowledgeable about safety protocols. In addition to all that, playing and practice environments should be well-maintained.
In Alabama, the Coach Safely Act, which passed in 2018, requires youth coaches to be trained annually in injury recognition and prevention to protect athletes ages 14 and under.
Factors Affecting School District Liability
If you’ve signed a waiver, which is often required by the school district, it can complicate liability issues. However, waivers do not always exempt schools from gross negligence. Equipment manufacturers, coaches, or other organizations involved in the sport may also be liable if their actions or products contributed to the injury. This is called third-party liability.
Steps to Take if Your Child is Injured
- Ensure your child receives proper medical care immediately.
- Record details of the injury, including witness statements, videos, photographs, and medical reports.
- Notify the school as soon as possible and request an incident report be filed.
- Consult a personal injury attorney. They will help you understand your legal options and rights.
Preventative Measures for Parents
Parents can take several steps to help prevent sports injuries:
- Make sure your athlete uses well-maintained and appropriate equipment. Inspect it yourself if possible.
- Make sure your child receives proper training and follows safety protocols. Speak up when you see dangerous conditions.
- Encourage your student-athlete to rest and recover between practices and games.
- Stay updated on the latest safety guidelines.
For additional resources on youth sports safety, visit coachsafely.org.
When you understand the risks associated with sports and take proactive measures, you can help protect your child from sports injuries. However, if your child has been injured while participating in an athletic event, contact the experienced attorneys at the law office of Timberlake, League & Brooks. Acting quickly and seeking professional advice can make all the difference in protecting your most precious asset.
