New Jersey Court Limits Youth Sports Lawsuits

A New Jersey appeals court has established guidelines that limit lawsuits stemming from injuries sustained by children in sports.

The court turned down a suit filed by the family of a 12-year-old who broke his arm when an 11-year-old crashed into him during the final seconds of a youth lacrosse game in Burlington County.

The court adopted a two-prong approach to consider when a minor injuries another in a sporting event.

The judges say they considered if it was reasonable in the setting to expect a minor to refrain from injurious contact and whether the player’s conduct would be considered reckless in the same way that would allow a lawsuit against an adult.

The court says it’s unfair to hold children to the same standards as adults.