Citation

Sawyer TH, Gimbert TL. J. Phys. Educ. Recreat. Dance 2013; 84(8): 13-14.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance)

DOI

10.1080/07303084.2013.827072

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

According to Court records, student Pedro Godoy (Godoy) filed a suit against the school district (Central Islip Union Free School District) and teacher Otis R. Scerbo (Scerbo), seeking to recover damages for personal injuries allegedly sustained by Godoy while participating in a game of floor hockey during physical education class. Scerbo (the teacher) was also playing, and his hockey stick made contact with Godoy's right hand as Scerbo attempted a shot on goal and Godoy attempted to block the shot. Godoy alleged that the defendants negligently supervised the physical education class by allowing an adult teacher to participate in the floor hockey game, and by failing to provide adequate protective equipment for the students. Following an analysis of the case and the court's ruling, several risk management recommendations are offered to reduce potential future liability issues when supervising a compulsory or voluntary physical education class.

Language: en