What action could increase a coach's chances of being found negligent regarding technique?

The correct answer is teaching headfirst sliding in softball because this technique is often associated with a higher risk of injury. Coaches are responsible for ensuring safe practices in their coaching methods, including teaching techniques that do not put athletes at an unnecessary risk. By promoting a technique like headfirst sliding, which can lead to collisions or other injuries without proper safety measures in place, a coach could be seen as failing to provide adequate training or guidance, thus increasing the chances of being found negligent.

In this context, negligence is assessed based on whether a coach acted in a manner consistent with the standard of care expected in their role. Coaches should teach techniques that prioritize the athletes' safety and well-being. In contrast, the other actions mentioned would not inherently compromise safety in the same way. Allowing athletes to make their own decisions, while it has its own risks, may not be directly linked to a breach of duty regarding established coaching practices or techniques. Ignoring medical advice is certainly a serious matter, but it typically pertains more to health management than the direct application of technique. Similarly, not supervising warm-ups can be risky, but without specific ties to the teaching of risky techniques like headfirst sliding, it may not meet the threshold for negligence related to technique instruction.