Sport And The Law

Question 1

Why might sports performers need protection from the law?

Answer 1

• Spectators attacking players

• Opponents being too violent

• Contractual issues with sponsors

• Contractual issues with employers

• Equality of opportunity issues

• Refereeing negligence

Question 2

Give an example of a spectator attacking a player

Answer 2

Martina Hingis stabbed during a tennis match

Question 3

Give an example of opponents being too violent

Answer 3

Kevin Muscat breaking Matt Holmes’ leg (who was awarded £750,000 in damages)

Question 4

What laws apply to officials?

Answer 4

Negligence - conduct that falls below a ‘reasonable person’s standard’ and leads to a breach of the duty of care

Question 5

Give examples of duty of care from a coach

Answer 5

• Keeping up to date contact details, medical details and registers of attendance

• Maintaining appropriate supervision ratios

• Ensuring that first aid provision is available at the club

• Ensuring that individuals regularly involved in coaching children have a DBS check

• Ensuring that they have undertaken appropriate risk assessment for the activity being coached

Question 6

What has been done for spectator safety?

Answer 6

• Removal of perimeter fences and terraces, and segregation of fans and family zones - Safety of Sports Grounds Act

• Control of alcohol sales on the way to the grounds as well as on the grounds - Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act

• Increased security and police presence (CCTV)

• Tougher deterrents (e.g. banning, fines and imprisonment)