Heads up! Plaintiff sued and alleged negligence after she suffered a concussion when an errant soccer ball hit her. Plaintiff based the claim on a coach’s failure to supervise and oversee their players properly. Defendants filed a motion for summary judgment, which the trial court granted. The New Jersey Appellate reversed and ruled that the trial court erroneously applied the heightened recklessness standard outlined in Crawn v. Campo to the conduct of the high school coach. The Crawn standard applies in circumstances involving two equally situated participants where one directly injured the other during the sporting activity itself. Plaintiff’s case did not present that situation. The Court then noted that the New Jersey Tort Claims Act established the coach’s duties, responsibilities, and immunities.
