Can a child be held liable for injuring another child while playing a sport?

A child who injures another child during the course of play may bear some liability for the injury depending on the circumstances. In these instances, sometimes an injured party can make a claim on the child’s parents’ home insurance or general liability insurance policy.

However, courts will consider the age of the participants, whether the injury occurred from activity outside normal or “fair” play or by intentionally disregarding rules, and whether the child received adequate training, instruction and supervision prior to being permitted to play. Adult organizers, therefore, may share liability or be completely liable for the injury if their negligence or recklessness put participants in an unsafe situation.