What is the primary function of sovereign immunity in athletic training?

The primary function of sovereign immunity is to shield government-employed individuals from negligence claims, which includes athletic trainers who work in public institutions or organizations. This legal doctrine protects government entities and employees from being sued for actions performed in the course of their official duties, unless a specific exception applies. By providing this protection, sovereign immunity allows athletic trainers to perform their responsibilities without the constant threat of litigation, fostering an environment where they can focus on the health and safety of their athletes. This means that if an athlete is injured while under the care of a government-employed athletic trainer, that trainer generally cannot be held personally liable for negligence under this doctrine, provided they were acting within the scope of their employment.