Signed School Release Form Barred High School Football Player's Claim

A football player injured during a game was barred from filing a claim against the school district and its employees after signing an express assumption of the risk agreement. The school followed all applicable CIF and school regulations regarding concussions and was not grossly negligent in its actions.

Facts

Nick Brown was a sophomore at Union Mine High School and a member of the Junior Varsity football team. Union Mine is a high school within the El Dorado High School District (District). Every student athlete received a handbook from the athletics office that had to be read and signed by the student as well as a parent. Included with the handbook was a form entitled, "El Dorado Union High School District Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement." Prior to the season in question, Nick and his father signed this agreement. The boxes for football and baseball were checked in a list of possible activities. The release states in part, "If student is