Immunity of volunteer athletic coaches and officials
N.D. Cent. Code § 32-03-46
in effect32-03-46. Immunity of volunteer athletic coaches and officials
1. Any person who provides services or assistance free of charge, except for
reimbursement of expenses, as an athletic coach, manager, or official for a sports
team which is organized or performing pursuant to a nonprofit or similar charter is
immune from civil liability for any act or omission resulting in damage or injury to a
player or participant if at the time of the act or omission all the following are met:
a. The person who caused the damage or injury was acting in good faith and in the
scope of that person's duties for the sports team.
b. The act or omission did not constitute willful misconduct or gross negligence.
c. The coach, manager, or official had participated in a safety orientation and
training program established by the league or team with which the person is
affiliated.
2. This section does not grant immunity to:
a. Any person causing damage as the result of the negligent operation of a motor
vehicle.
b. Any person for any damage caused by that person permitting a sports
competition or practice to be conducted without supervision.
c. Any athletic coach, manager, or official providing service as a part of a public or
private educational institution's athletic program.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t32c03.pdf#nameddest=32-03-46Fetched: 10/16/2026