Sport and the Law

Question 1

Why do performers need protection from the law?

Answer 1

• Spectators attacking them
• Opponents being too violent
• Contractual issues with sponsors
• Contractual issues with employees
• Eqaulity of opportunity
• Refereeing negligence

Question 2

Spectators attacking players

Answer 2

• Legal action can be taken by players agaisn’t fans for any unacceptable behaviour such as running onto the pitch and attacking players as well as racist acts

Question 3

Opponents being too violent

Answer 3

• Individuals seeking compensation for the loss of earnings must prove that they have suffered an actual injury as a result of a deliberate, harmful act of an opponent
• Issues relating to player violence are usually dealt wwith by NGB’s

Question 4

Contractual issues with sponsors

Answer 4

• Restraint of trade: action that interferes with free competition in a market in a sport, this might involve a clause in a contract which might restrict a persons right to carry out their profession

Question 5

Contractual issues with clubs

Answer 5

• Performers are employees and as such should have the same employment rights as othe rworkers.
• Their rights were improved in ‘95 by the Bosman Ruling which gave pro footballers within the EU the right to move freely to another club at the end of their contract

Question 6

Equality of opportunity issues.

Answer 6

• Sexism in sport: unacceptable that so many perfomrers may feel the need to seek help and legal action for equal opportunities and the prevention of discrimination in the future.
• Racism: very common in sport today which is why legal action needs to be taken to try and stop it and help those who have been discriminated against.

Question 7

Refereeing negligence.

Answer 7

• Negligence: conduct that falls below a reasonable person standard and leads to a breach in the duty of care, which reuslts in forseable harm to another
• Negligence cases are bought against officials at both pro and amateur levels fo sport