What is the “standard of care” for sports equipment and facilities?

The “standard of care” when it comes to sports equipment and facilities in North Carolina is the legal obligation to maintain the safety of the game or activity. In other words, the law requires that the organizer, team, or facility provide a safe environment to participate in sports, free from hazards that could lead to an unnecessary injury. This includes making sure the equipment is well-maintained and inspected for hazards, the field of play is properly marked and set up, and that all necessary safety precautions are taken. The standard of care is especially important when it comes to youth sports because minors are more vulnerable to injuries due to their physical development and lack of experience. For this reason, courts may expect a higher legal standard of care for sports involving minors. Additionally, if a facility or team collects fees from participants, this is an indication of a higher standard of safety which may be expected. Ultimately, the standard of care for sports equipment and facilities in North Carolina is that they be reasonably safe for its intended use. Careless or negligent behavior which results in a serious injury or death, such as failing to inspect equipment for defects or modify playing surfaces to be appropriate for the age, skill level, or physical build of the participants, may be subject to legal action.

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