By Jill L. Yonkers on Posted in Student Issues
As another school year approaches, student-athletes and coaches will soon be involved with pre-season practices to prepare for sports contests. Emphasizing student-athlete safety has never been greater, particularly with respect to head injuries. Because of the potential for serious injuries, districts should take this opportunity to review their policies relating to concussion management and awareness… Continue Reading
By Jill L. Yonkers on Posted in Personnel
The doctrine of assumption of risk is a familiar one in the sports-torts arena. The general rule is that an athlete assumes the normal, commonly appreciated risks associated with playing his or her particular sport. It cannot be used to protect against reckless or intentional conduct or concealed or unreasonably increased risks, however. For example,… Continue Reading
By Ryan L. Everhart on Posted in Student Issues
On January 25, 2022, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued an important “Dear Colleague” letter. The letter was intended to clarify school districts’ legal obligations to provide students with disabilities equal access to extracurricular athletic activities. In essence, OCR stated that disabled students have the right to equal opportunities to… Continue Reading
