Rensing v. Indiana State University
Court of Appeals of Indiana for the Fourth District
437 N.E.2d 78 (1982)
Fred Rensing (plaintiff), a varsity football player on a full "grant-in-aid" scholarship covering tuition, room, board, and books, was rendered quadriplegic by an injury during spring practice at Indiana State University (ISU) (defendant). His scholarship was renewable only as long as he actively participated in football. After being denied workers' compensation benefits by Indiana's Industrial Board, Rensing appealed the Board's decision.
Whether a student-athlete may be considered an employee of a university, entitled to workers' compensation benefits, where the student receives a scholarship based on athletic ability and contingent on participation on the institution's football team.