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 New Jersey, as in many states, student athletes are typically considered to have assumed the risks associated with participating in school sports. This assumption of risk is often formalized through the signing of a waiver or consent form, where the student acknowledges the inherent dangers and agrees not to hold the school or its employees liable for any resulting injuries. However, this does not grant absolute immunity to schools. If a student athlete is injured due to a lack of proper supervision or inadequate safety equipment, the school may be held liable for negligence. Despite the assumption of risk by athletes, New Jersey schools could still face legal challenges if they fail to meet the standard of care expected of them. Furthermore, while public schools in New Jersey do benefit from sovereign immunity, which generally shields government entities from lawsuits, this immunity is not absolute. There are exceptions to sovereign immunity that may allow for legal action if the injury is a result of negligent acts or omissions by the school or its employees.