Reduce risks, liabilities associated with outdoor structures, equipment

A recent court complaint filed against a college in Maine highlights the potential risks and liabilities that may flow from the failure to oversee, maintain, and secure outdoor athletics equipment and structures — particularly during periods of bad weather. In this case ( Watt v. Bates College , 2025), because of renovations to the track‐and‐field venue, the institution had installed two temporary covered benches adjacent to the track for use by student‐athletes. Each of these sheltered seating areas was 18‐feet long and weighed approximately 600 pounds.