Introduction

This article examines Georgia statutes concerning limited liability for volunteers in recreational settings in the context of youth sports coaching.

Scenario

A volunteer coach leads a youth football practice at a community field on Rocky Creek Road in Macon, Georgia. During a tackling drill, the coach instructs players to perform full-contact exercises without proper protective equipment. A young player suffers a concussion when tackled by a larger teammate. The coach had no formal training in safe coaching techniques and ignored league guidelines requiring non-contact drills for this age group.

Georgia Law

Volunteer Immunity

Georgia Code § 51-1-20.1(a): “Any volunteer of a nonprofit organization, including members of the board of directors or officers of such organization, shall be immune from civil liability for any act or any omission to act arising out of the performance of his or her duties as a volunteer if: (1) The volunteer was acting in good faith within the scope of his or her official functions and duties for a nonprofit organization; and (2) The act or omission to act does not constitute willful or wanton misconduct or gross negligence.”

Recreational Property Act

Georgia Code § 51-3-25: “An owner of land who either directly or indirectly invites or permits without charge any person to use such property for recreational purposes does not thereby: (1) Extend any assurance that the premises are safe for any purpose; (2) Confer upon such person the legal status of an invitee or licensee to whom a duty of care is owed; or (3) Assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to person or property caused by an act or omission of such persons.”

General Duty of Care

Georgia Code § 51-1-2: “Every person owes a duty to all other persons to exercise ordinary care not to injure them by any act or by any failure to act.”

Youth Athletics

Georgia Code § 20-2-320: “Each local board of education is authorized to promote and regulate interscholastic athletic programs and other interscholastic activities and competitions between schools within the local school system.”

Conclusion

The scenario describes a child injured during volunteer-coached practice in Macon, Georgia. Georgia Code § 51-1-20.1 provides volunteer immunity with limitations. The immunity does not apply to willful misconduct or gross negligence. These statutes establish the framework for volunteer coach liability under Georgia law.

FAQ

Q: What protection does Georgia Code § 51-1-20.1 provide volunteers? A: Georgia Code § 51-1-20.1(a) provides immunity “from civil liability for any act or any omission to act arising out of the performance of his or her duties as a volunteer” with conditions.

Q: What limitations exist on volunteer immunity? A: Georgia Code § 51-1-20.1(a)(2) states immunity does not apply if “The act or omission to act does not constitute willful or wanton misconduct or gross negligence.”

Q: What does Georgia Code § 51-3-25 address? A: Georgia Code § 51-3-25 limits liability for owners who permit free recreational use of property.

Q: Where are volunteer immunity laws found in the Georgia Code? A: Volunteer immunity laws are found in Georgia Code Title 51, Chapter 1.

Q: Does Georgia Code § 51-1-2 still apply to volunteers? A: Georgia Code § 51-1-2 states: “Every person owes a duty to all other persons to exercise ordinary care not to injure them by any act or by any failure to act.”

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, recommendation, or guidance. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. No actions should be taken based on the content of this article. For any specific legal matter, consult with a qualified and licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Scenario Disclaimer

The scenario described is entirely fictional and intended solely for illustrative purposes. Any resemblance to real persons, events, or situations is purely coincidental.