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 Utah, 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 a waiver or form that the student athletes sign, acknowledging the inherent dangers and releasing the school and related parties from liability for personal injuries that may occur during athletic activities. 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 Utah generally benefit from sovereign immunity, a legal principle that shields government entities from lawsuits and liability. This immunity can limit the circumstances under which a school or its officials can be sued for injuries to student athletes. It's important to note that there may be exceptions to this immunity, and the specific facts of a case can affect the outcome.