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 Oklahoma, 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 related parties liable for injuries that occur as a result of those inherent risks. However, if a student athlete is injured due to a lack of proper supervision or inadequate protective equipment, the school or officials may be held liable for negligence. Despite this, public schools in Oklahoma generally benefit from sovereign immunity, a legal principle that shields state entities from being sued without their consent. This immunity can limit the circumstances under which a school or its officials can be held legally responsible for injuries to student athletes. It's important to note that there may be exceptions to this immunity, particularly if gross negligence or willful misconduct is involved.