Laws vary from state to state but students who participate in school athletic activities (sports) are generally considered (under state law) to have assumed or agreed to the risks inherent in such activities. Student athletes are also often required to sign a form acknowledging the risks in the activity, assuming liability for their own potential personal injuries, and waiving any claims against the school, coaches, and school officials.
In rare situations in which student athletes are not properly supervised or provided with adequate protective equipment, schools and school officials may have liability for injuries caused by such negligence.
In addition to a student athlete's assumption of the risks inherent in participating in athletics, public schools are generally immune from liability under the legal doctrine of sovereign immunity that protects governmental entities—including public schools—from lawsuits and legal liability.
In Texas, student athletes are typically considered to have assumed the risks associated with participating in school sports. This assumption of risk is often formalized through a waiver or form that the student athlete signs, acknowledging the inherent dangers and agreeing not to hold the school, coaches, or officials liable for personal injuries sustained during athletic activities. However, if a student athlete is not properly supervised or is provided with inadequate protective equipment, and this negligence leads to an injury, the school and officials may be held liable. Despite this, Texas public schools generally benefit from sovereign immunity, a legal principle that shields state entities from being sued. This immunity can limit the circumstances under which a school or its employees can be held legally responsible for injuries to student athletes.
