Risk Perceptions Versus Legal Realities in Campus Recreational Sport Programs.

Risk management in campus recreational sports has been a consideration on the minds of campus recreational sport directors for over the past three decades. But are directors' concerns aligned with the litigation being decided in the courtroom? This study examined whether or not campus recreation directors were concerned about the same legal and risk management issues that appeared most frequently in published court decisions. A case law analysis revealed that 54 cases were related to campus recreation over the past 30 years. To determine risk perceptions of campus recreation directors, a Web survey identifying 34 risk issues was administered. The findings showed the relationship of perceptions of directors to published cases and the risk management formula, as well as differences in perceptions based on demographic variables. The results identified several opportunities for discussion and new areas for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]