Watch This Viral Video of a Backboard Shattering in a Highschool

Basketball is one of the most popular high school sports, and it is a staple in American schools. The NBA is a beloved sports league, and basketball holds a special place in American society. One reason basketball has grown in popularity is the exciting moments it can produce. One great example is backboard shattering when a player accidentally breaks a backboard while throwing a ball or making a slam dunk. Keep reading to learn who’s liable in basketball. 

Backboard shattering is rare in basketball, especially in high schools and other minor leagues. That makes viral videos such as the one below even more surprising. 

In the clip, onlookers are excitedly watching an ongoing high school game. One player grabs the ball and quickly sprints to the side of the hoop. He jumps high and attempts to make the slam dunk of the century. In a shocking moment, the hoop fully detaches from the backboard, and the board shatters. He walks away as pieces continue to fall to the gym floor. 

An Attorney’s Analysis 

Attorney Ugo Lord categorizes backboard shattering in the NBA as unsportsmanlike conduct. In professional games, players face fines for intentionally shattering a backboard. Ultimately, authorities hold people responsible for damages they cause when intentionally doing something for show. Thus, shattering a backboard while attempting a dangerous slam dunk has consequences.

Most players aren’t deliberately trying to perform unsafe plays in high school games. Backboards used in high school games are often old and have lots of wear and tear. Most damages caused to high school backboards are from old age and disrepair. Due to this, the school is liable for maintaining its gym equipment for its intended purpose. In the case of the high schooler making the slam dunk, he is unlikely to be liable. 

What Causes Backboard Shattering? 

Backboard shattering is a relatively rare occurrence in any basketball game. It requires tremendous force for someone to break the tempered glass that makes up backboards. Often, people cause backboard shattering by performing forceful slam dunks. While dunking, the players push the metal rim against the glass, causing it to shatter. 

Over time, basketball leagues and schools have invested in technology to prevent backboard shattering. Stronger steel braces and stronger tempered glass are some great examples of technology meant to strengthen a backboard under the pressure of a slam dunk. Many hoops also have breakaway rims that reduce the stress on the backboard. 

In major cases, backboard shattering stems from old age and disrepair. This is especially true for high school courts, which often use the same equipment year after year. Over time, metal fixtures on the hoop can rust and become sharp, making it increasingly easy for slam dunks to shatter the backboard. 

What Happens When a Backboard Shatters: Who’s Liable in Basketball? 

Due to the surprising nature of backboard shattering, many people wonder who’s liable in basketball. As attorney Ugo Lord mentioned, professional players are typically liable for damages caused during the heat of the game. 

Most minor leagues and high schools understand that backboards are less suited for slam dunks and heavy use. This places most of the liability on the hoop’s owners, as they generally don’t provide much maintenance.

Concerning the actual game, blackboard shattering can put a wrench in the system. Most NBA stadiums keep spare backboards, which can delay games for up to an hour. In contrast, high schools often lack spare equipment, so they usually postpone games when a backboard shatters.