In recent years the number of lawsuits brought by injured secondary school athletes alleging negligence on the part of coaches, school officials, and referees has risen dramatically. This study analyzes the legal liability implications for administrators and others involved in school sports in North Dakota. An introductory section describes research objectives and methodology. The sports negligence claim and what constitutes a case are discussed in section 2, "Establishing the Tort Claim in Sports Cases." Section 3, "Liability for Secondary School Sports Injuries--A National Perspective," surveys national case law to demonstrate parameters of negligence liability for districts and officials. Analysis includes the employment relationship between parties to a lawsuit and examples of potentially negligent conduct. "Regulation of Secondary School Sports in North Dakota," section 4, discusses state regulatory methods. The role of the state high school activities association in competitive sports administration is detailed. The final section, "Survey Results," summarizes the study's statewide survey of public and private secondary school superintendents, head football coaches, and football officials. Questionnaires assessed litigation experience, insurance coverage, reactions to claims, preventive measures, and contractual relationships. A conclusion offers suggestions for district protection from unnecessary lawsuits. The report provides 11 tables of survey data; 7 appendices include examples of contracts and survey instruments. (CJH)