Craig discussed with Sportscaster, Jay Randolph, a case he handled involving a minor who was badly injured during an after school program. This ties into the topic Schlapprizzi Law Office discussed a couple weeks prior regarding the importance of buffer/safety zones in sports and fitness activities to prevent injuries.

Space is a treasured commodity in both athletics and recreation but it cannot come at the expense of safety. The empty space between actual playing surfaces and out-of-play areas is a safety zone. Inadequate safety zones or buffer zones in sports and recreation can expose athletes and patrons to needless and avoidable dangers that cause serious injuries.

A 2006 analysis of lawsuits claiming provider negligence in the conduct of programs of sport and physical activity (Dougherty, 2006) revealed a lack of a sufficient buffer zone was alleged to have been the primary cause of the injuries suffered in 21% of all surveyed cases. Inadequate buffer zones were the primary cause of injuries in:

• 83% of Tennis cases
• 67% of Basketball cases
• 50% of low organized games cases
• 40% of fitness activities cases
• 17% of softball and baseball cases

The point is, by providing adequate buffer zones one can drastically reduce the likelihood of participant injuries and lawsuits in many sports and activities.