Playing sport is a great way to stay active, build skills, and be part of a team. But when injuries happen, it’s not always clear who is responsible. Some injuries are unavoidable – part of the risk of playing a physical game. Others may be the result of negligence, such as poor training practices, unsafe facilities, or a lack of proper supervision.

If you’ve been injured during organised sport, you may be wondering whether the club could be held responsible. Understanding where duty of care lies is the first step in deciding whether you may have grounds for a claim.

What duty of care does a sports club have?

Sports clubs have a legal responsibility to keep their players safe as far as reasonably possible. This duty of care includes:

• Providing a safe environment, including well-maintained facilities and equipment.
• Ensuring coaches and staff are properly qualified and follow safeguarding practices.
• Putting appropriate medical or first aid support in place.
• Giving players training on safe techniques and rules of play.

If a club fails to meet these responsibilities and someone is injured as a result, they could be found liable.

When is a sports club responsible for an injury?

A club may be held responsible if:

• Facilities or equipment were unsafe – for example, a damaged playing surface, faulty goalposts, or unsafe gym equipment.
• Coaching was inadequate – such as failing to teach correct techniques, ignoring health and safety rules, or putting players in situations beyond their ability.
• Safeguarding was ignored – if children or vulnerable players were not protected appropriately.
• Medical care was lacking – for example, if a player with a head injury was allowed to continue playing without proper assessment.

In these situations, the injury may not simply be “part of the game” but a result of negligence.

When might a club not be responsible?

Not all sports injuries are caused by negligence. If you were injured during fair play, despite proper supervision and safe conditions, the club may not be liable. Many sports carry an accepted level of risk, and players often agree to that risk by taking part.

That’s why it’s important to seek advice from a solicitor who can help you understand whether your injury could lead to a valid claim.

Why legal advice matters

If you’ve been injured while playing for a sports club, speaking to a specialist solicitor can make things clearer. They can help you work out:

• Whether the club breached its duty of care.
• If there is evidence to support a claim.
• What compensation you might be entitled to, including support for rehabilitation, lost earnings and future care.

At Switalskis, we support clients through this process with clear advice and compassionate guidance, always focusing on what matters most, recovery.

How Switalskis can help

We understand the impact a sports injury can have – physically, emotionally and financially. Our solicitors are here to listen, explain your options, and help you take the right steps.

If you believe your injury was caused by negligence at a sports club, we’re here to support you.

To get started, give us a call today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch with us through our website to find out more about how we can help.