Exempts volunteers in recreational activities, including but not limited to, little league coaches, managers, assistants and members of the board of directors from civil liability while providing services or rendering assistance to a player or participant as a result of such volunteer's acts of commission or omission arising out of or in the course of rendering such services or assistance during competitive games and practices.
A02203 would create a civil liability exemption for unpaid volunteers serving in organized youth programs. The bill covers people acting without compensation as leaders, coaches, managers, umpires, referees, assistants, and board members in youth recreational or athletic programs for participants age 18 or younger. It applies to programs operated by organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA, YWCA, Jewish youth organizations, Catholic Youth Organization, Kiwanis, Hi-Y, and similar groups.
The bill states that these volunteers would not be liable in a civil action for damages to a participant arising from acts or omissions occurring in the course of providing those services. It also includes a definition of compensation that excludes reimbursement for reasonable expenses. The immunity is limited, however, and does not protect conduct that is willful, wanton, or grossly negligent. The measure amends both the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law and the General Obligations Law, and it would take effect immediately if enacted.
If enacted, the bill would add new statutory protections in the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law and the General Obligations Law for unpaid volunteers in youth sports and similar recreational programs. It would reduce exposure to civil lawsuits for ordinary negligence claims arising from coaching, officiating, supervising, or board service, while preserving liability for gross negligence and intentional or reckless misconduct. The practical effect would be to lower legal risk for volunteer-run youth organizations and potentially make it easier to recruit and retain volunteers.
Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears intended as a pro-volunteer, pro-youth-program liability shield, with a generally supportive policy rationale of encouraging participation in community sports and recreational activities. No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so there is no recorded debate or formal voting sentiment to assess. The overall framing of the bill suggests a favorable posture toward volunteer protection and youth program support.
The main point of contention is likely the scope of immunity: supporters would favor protecting unpaid volunteers from lawsuits for ordinary mistakes, while opponents may worry that the bill could limit recourse for injured participants and reduce accountability in youth programs. Another possible issue is the breadth of the covered organizations and the phrase "other similar organizations," which could raise questions about how broadly the exemption would be applied. The bill attempts to address some concerns by excluding willful, wanton, and grossly negligent conduct from protection.