Ideally, playgrounds should encourage development of gross and fine motor skills and present a stimulating play environment that provides children with manageable challenges. In order to provide these challenges, a balance must be found between risk and safety. Over the last few years there has been an increased interest in the use of soft…

This article provides teachers with an overview on tort liability as it applies to their profession, especially in relation to student injuries. Such legal concepts as tort, negligence, and in loco parentis are discussed and guidelines are drawn from selected court cases. (SJL)

This guide focuses on the legal responsibilities of coaches and physical educators, but much of the content is equally applicable to those who teach sports skills in other recreational settings. The guide presents the legal duties of the coach or teacher. The content is drawn from a review of sport lawsuits (or sports injury litigation) over the…

Explains how to prevent outdoor sports injuries; discusses related litigation and specific cases involving playing field turf, tennis, skiing, and pools; and sets out facility design and maintenance considerations and recommendations. A sidebar provides information about injury insurance available to NCAA schools. Part I of this article appeared…

School systems that allow handicapped students to participate in athletics may be open to liability suits if injury occurs; yet systems with a policy of excluding all physically impaired students from sports may be sued under Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act for denial of equal opportunity. (Author/JM)

In recent years the number of lawsuits brought by injured secondary school athletes alleging negligence on the part of coaches, school officials, and referees has risen dramatically. This study analyzes the legal liability implications for administrators and others involved in school sports in North Dakota. An introductory section describes…