A teenage student from Shore School has been awarded over $276,000 in damages after injuring his back during a long jump activity at Neutral Bay Public School.
Carnival Accident Sparks Long-term Pain
The accident happened in 2019 during a Year 6 athletics carnival at Neutral Bay Public School, where an 11-year-old boy landed awkwardly in the long jump pit. He was on his fifth or sixth attempt when he fell on his back and felt immediate pain. The student said he felt winded at first, and later developed chronic back issues.
He argued in court that staff failed to keep the sandpit properly maintained during the event. Although he kept playing sports like rowing and basketball, he told the court he couldn’t train at the same level. His legal team said the injury may limit his future career options, especially in jobs that require long periods of sitting.
Lawsuit Challenges School’s Safety Practices
The student claimed the school breached its duty of care by not raking the sandpit between jumps, leaving it compacted and shallow. He argued this made his fall more dangerous during the athletics event.
The State responded that staff raked the pit every few jumps and noted the student remained active afterward. The New South Wales District Court initially ruled in favour of the school. However, the student appealed, and a panel of judges reviewed the case again in late 2024.
Appeal Decision Supports Student’s Claim
The appeals panel found that Neutral Bay Public School did not meet reasonable safety standards on the day of the accident. They agreed the sand should have been loosened after each jump, not every few. The judges determined that failing to do so increased the risk of injury.
They also noted that the injury had real effects on the teen’s health, education and future work plans. As a result, the court awarded him $276,500 in damages, along with interest to cover the time since the incident.
Community Reflections On School Sports Safety
The court’s decision has stirred fresh debate among school communities about safety at sporting events. Many parents and educators are now rethinking how equipment and facilities are managed during carnivals.
Though risk is part of sport, the case has reminded schools of their duty to prevent avoidable injuries. So far, the Department of Education has stayed silent on whether any changes are coming.
Published 13-June-2025