RCPT 365: Legal Liability and Risk Management
Prerequisites: Major in RCPT
Credit Hours: (3)
Legal issues relating to park and recreation administration and programming, risk
management planning and implementation in park and recreation settings.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
What is the law?
- United States judicial structure
- Judicial procedures
- Contract law
- Agency law
- Definitions and types of torts
- “Reasonable and prudent”
Negligence
- Degrees of negligence
- Strict liability
- Defenses against claims of negligence
- Contributory and comparative negligence
Assumption of risk
- Classes of visitors
- Classes of hazards
- Liability of facility owners and operators
- Hazards
- Liability of agencies and administrators
- Liability of coaches, supervisors, and activity leaders
- Liability of participants
- Civil rights and liberties
- Categorizing risks
- Models of risk management planning
Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course
Course will be taught in a lecture/discussion format. Case studies, scenarios, and
mock trials will be used to help illustrate the content. Mock trials consist of groups
role-playing a trial based on an assigned case. Each group member will have a specific
role, i.e. victim, prosecuting attorney, etc. Arguments will be well-written and rehearsed.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
At completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Relate current risk management issues and trends in the profession to recreation,
park resources, and leisure services ( 8.06:03).
- Practice ethical principles and professionalism ( 8.07).
- Understand the importance of maintaining professional competence and use available
resources for professional development (8.08).
- Evaluate facility operation and maintenance ( 8.25:05).
- Understand how the following concepts relate to recreation, park resources, and leisure
services:
- 8.26:01 Legal foundations and the legislative process
- 8.26:02 Contracts and tort law
- 8.26:03 Regulatory agents and methods of compliance
- Implement the principles and practices of safety, emergency, and risk management related
to recreation, park resources, and leisure services (8.27).
Assessment Measures
Grades will be determined by research papers, case study and presentation, participation
in mock trial, exams/quizzes, and presentations.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
Revised 2013
November 2005 Reviewed Susan R. Van Patten, Curriculum Chair