Everything in life involves risk. Even volunteering one's time involves risk. Lawsuits brought against volunteers and volunteer coaches have brought fear and apprehensions, which legislators believe discourage people from volunteering their time. The new federal law, the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, shields volunteers of government entities and nonprofit organizations from liability if the volunteer commits negligent acts or omissions while performing his or her responsibilities. A lawsuit could name both the volunteer and the nonprofit organization since the organization carries insurance. In that case, the volunteer is subject to the laws of that state.
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