Our column this issue is not about coaches. Instead, it is about directors, and we’ve chosen this topic because a good number of coaches also happen to be elected or appointed directors of sport organizations or clubs. Wearing several hats is not uncommon in the sport realm, and remembering which hat you’re wearing can be [...]
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What is the Standard in the Standard of Care?
The Supreme Court of Canada in April of this year quashed a decision of the British Columbia Court of Appeal which had ordered a whole new trial in Mark Hamstra’s suit against the B.C. Rugby Union, his former coach and the Langley School Board. It may be worthwhile to revisit the Hamstra decision in the [...]
The Standard of Care of Coaches Towards Athletes
This column is about the basics. It talks about the standard of care of coaches towards athletes. When coaches fail to meet this standard, they may be negligent, and when coaches are negligent, they may also be liable. An awareness of this standard, which the law imposes on coaches, is a powerful tool in minimizing [...]
Contributory Negligence
When a coach fails to meet the standard of care toward athletes, he or she may be negligent. But negligence does not equate with liability. Whether or not a negligent coach is held liable, or responsible, for the injury or damages is another matter entirely. There are many factors that may reduce liability or eliminate [...]
Could This Happen to You? Recreation Workers Can Take Steps to Prevent Injury and Avoid Liability
Preventing injuries in sport and recreation and avoiding liability requires more than a first aid kit, a waiver or an insurance policy. Nor are checklists of safety reminders a guarantee that participants will be safe from harm, and that an organization or facility will be safe from liability claims. A clear understanding of negligence answers [...]
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