Sport and the law

Question 1

Sports legislation- reason (performer)

Answer 1

• Protect from injuries obtained through sport/ violence or deviance from others.
• Protect against potential spectator behaviour.
• Dispute contracts with employers/ sponsors.
• Compensated for loss of earnings from inequality or discrimination.
• Protection against media intrusion into private lives.

Question 2

Sports legislation- example (performers)

Answer 2

• Monica Seles- stabbed by spectator during tennis match.
• USA football team from inequality issue- unequal pay.
• Oakley’s action against Rory Mcllroy.

Question 3

Player violence

Answer 3

• Normally dealt with by NGB’s.
• Fines/ Bans
• Sometimes dealt with prosecution.
• e.g. Duncan Ferguson headbutt.

Question 4

Players and supporters

Answer 4

• Now being prosecuted for unacceptable behaviour.
• e.g. pitch invasions, fans attacking players mid game, streaking.

Question 5

Performers- Bosman ruling

Answer 5

• Gave footballers improved rights, just like other employees.
• Free movement within the EU at the end of a contract.
• Existing club could not demand a transfer fee.

Question 6

Performers- sports contracts (Rory Mcllory)

Answer 6

• Broke contract with Oakley to go to Nike- resolved amicably out of court settlement.

Question 7

Define negligence

Answer 7

• Breaching the duty of care resulting in harm.
• Conduct that falls below the required standards to maintain safety resulting in harm.

Question 8

Negligence- more info

Answer 8

• Officials have a duty of care.
• When they don’t do everything possible, they may be deemed negligent.
  e.g. referee who didn’t control scrum leading to injury/ paralysis of players.

Question 9

Examples of officials being negligent

Answer 9

• Injury caused by not applying the rules of the game correctly.
• Injury caused by failure to check clothing/ footwear properly.
• Injury caused by failure to check the safety of a surface during the match.
• Injury caused by failure to check the equipment.
• Failure to stop the game due to an injury.

Question 10

Coaches- duty of care

Answer 10

• Legal obligation to eliminate all potential dangers and risks so that players can participate in a safe environment.
  e.g. if players are allowed to play basketball on a wet floor, could lead to players slipping and getting injured.

Question 11

Coaches legal responsibilities

Answer 11

• Providing first aid provision.
• Maintain the right supervision numbers.
• Collect medical info/ details.
• Risk assessment complete.
• Adapt sessions to needs.
• Suitably trained.

Question 12

Spectators

Answer 12

• Spectators must act within the law.
• Public order acts.
• Illegal to trespass on a pitch.
• Illegal to be involved in racist chants.

Question 13

Additional safety measures include:

Answer 13

• No perimeter fencing.
• Controlled alcohol sales.
• Increased police presence.
• Tougher deterrents
• Pubs banned.
• Police share info about known individuals.

Question 14

Timeline of Crowd Safety Legislation

Answer 14

1. Occupiers Liability Act (1957)
2. Safety of Sports Grounds Act (1975)
3. Sporting Events (Control of alcohol) Act (1985)
4. Fire Safety & Safety of Place of Sport Act (1987)
5. The Football Spectators Act (1989)
6. The Football Offences Act (1991)