For example, if a footballer is injured because of a careless tackle, it could be difficult to establish liability. But if the injury is caused by reckless or deliberate behaviour, following a flagrant violation of the law, there could be grounds for an injury claim. 

Sport accident claims can be made by professional athletes, amateur players, gym goers and even spectators.

Some of the most common causes of sports accident claims include

• Players or participants who breach the rules and inflict injuries through reckless, deliberate behaviour
• Poor coaching
• Poor refereeing or a referee failing to properly enforce the rules 
• Poorly maintained playing fields or equipment
• Poorly maintained grounds and stadiums
• Poorly organised events 
• Violent behaviour

These injuries occur in sporting contests up and down the country every weekend. The overwhelming majority of these injuries occur within the rules of the game. By volunteering to take part, a player takes it upon himself to accept the risk of incidental injuries.

What happens, however, when the injury arises from a savage blow out of all proportion to the occasion? What of the footballer who suffers a fractured leg caused by a vicious two footed very late tackle? The rugby player with a broken jaw after being punched by an opponent on the blind side of the referee? The boxer knocked out by a blow delivered well after the bell whilst walking back to his corner?

Some injuries are inflicted outside of the rules of the game as a result of careless, reckless or deliberate acts. The actions might even be contrary to criminal law. 

In many cases it will not be clear what has happened and whether the rules have been complied with. Each incident must be examined carefully to decide what the prospects of a successful claim are. Match officials, spectators and team members may have to be interviewed. Any video or film must be preserved and analysed.

There are many sports where the participants accept a high level of risk of injury. Golf, for example, produces the highest ball speed of any ball sports. Anyone struck by a golf ball is at risk of serious injury.

Again, in these cases it is necessary to assess the circumstances of the actual accident. If  someone was struck by a golf ball because the organisers of a tournament placed the spectators in a dangerous position, the organisers could potentially be negligent. 

If an injury is sustained at the gym, we can investigate whether the equipment was sufficiently maintained and the proper safety procedures followed. If not, there could be grounds for a personal injury claim. 

The organisers of sporting events and owners of sports grounds have to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of spectators and players. Spectators have the same legal rights as anyone visiting a building such as a shop, garage or school. 

In other words, a person’s health and safety should be protected. You should not suffer harm due to overcrowding, unsafe structures, unsafe processes or unprovoked violence.