Legal Liabilities

Involved in Physical
Education and
Athletic Injuries:
Who Can Be Held
Responsible?
Sports in the Philippines is an important
part of the country's culture. There
are six major sports in the Philippines:
basketball, boxing, tennis, football,
billiards, and volleyball.
 But when does an injury lead to legal
liability?

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 In a world where sports play a
significant role in daily life, having
a grasp of legal liability related to
injuries can foster a safer
environment for athletes and fans
alike.
 Athlete’s Responsibility: Understanding Fault in Self-Inflicted Injuries

 In sports, not every injury is someone else’s fault. Sometimes,

athletes themselves play a role in their own injuries.
If an athlete ignores safety guidelines, takes unnecessary risks, or
fails to use equipment correctly, responsibility might rest with them.
In these cases, understanding fault becomes a matter of personal
responsibility.
Acknowledging and respecting the rules, guidelines, and limitations
in sports can lead to a safer experience for everyone involved.
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 Coaches and Training Staff: A Look at Duty of
Care

Coaches and training staff play a vital role in keeping athletes safe.
Part of their job includes recognizing the signs of potential injury and
taking steps to prevent harm
If a coach pushes an athlete too hard, ignores signs of fatigue, or fails
to provide proper training, it might lead to unnecessary injury.
Coaches and trainers must balance the desire to win with the need to
protect the health of those in their charge.

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 What is the athletic trainer legally liable for?

Nutritional aspects of team - Can't watch what eat but

need to supply them with information and recognize
eating disorders
Supervise the play and practice areas: make sure they
are safe, control the environment (move objects, suggest
take practice inside due to lightning or heat/cold)
Legally liable to give the athlete the best equipment
whether JV or sub-athlete
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 Specific Responsibilities to the Training
Program

Obtain readily available medical records.

Conduct pre-play physical exam and maintain
accurate emergency information. Can't assume all
athletes are healthy.
Work closely with parents and coaches keep
communication open.
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 Specific Responsibilities to Athlete

Make sure athlete knows how to condition between

onset of practice and competition make sure the
athlete is prepared.
Without any hesitation--must remove athlete from
activity if impaired.
Responsible for athlete in the environment.
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 Specific Responsibilities to Athlete

Must have ability to evaluate and analyze the injury

and athletes status.
Give proper fitting equipment
Athlete must have qualified medical care in practice
and competition. If beyond your scope, you need a
physician. You don't need to know everything--have a
support group.
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 How Do Athletic Trainers Protect Themselves?

Keep accurate records.

Have the health history of the athlete current
and accessible in case of emergency.
Make sure the area you are responsible for is
properly supervised; students and equipment
are safe.
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 How Do Athletic Trainers Protect Themselves?

• Don't give out medicine. That is for the

physician.
• If dispensing over the counter drugs, keep
accurate record of how many and who.

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 How Do Athletic Trainers Protect Themselves?

• Don't use faulty equipment

• Don't return injured player until cleared by doctor
• Never use pain killing drugs that allow athlete to
participate
• Follow orders of the physician
• Communicate clearly with doctors, coaches, athletes, and
families
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 Part of being prepared and
avoiding liability is having an
emergency care procedure in
place and following that
procedure.

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