If a coach is aware of a runner's history of asthma but does not evaluate their capacity to compete, which legal duty are they neglecting?

The correct answer highlights the coach’s responsibility to assess the athlete's ability to compete, particularly in the context of existing medical conditions like asthma. Coaches have a legal and ethical duty to ensure that athletes can safely participate in sporting activities. This includes taking into account any known medical histories, such as asthma, and evaluating whether the athlete is fit to compete.

An athlete with a history of asthma may require specific considerations, such as environmental factors during competition, the intensity of the activities, and potential exposure to triggers. The failure to evaluate the runner's capacity means the coach might put the athlete at risk for health issues, which could lead to worsening asthma symptoms or severe incidents during competition. In essence, by neglecting this evaluation, the coach fails in their duty to protect the well-being of the athlete, thereby increasing liability in case of adverse effects.

While other duties such as providing emergency assistance, matching athletes appropriately, and warning of inherent risks are important, the emphasis on the necessity for evaluation aligns directly with a coach's primary responsibility to ensure athlete safety regarding pre-existing health issues.