Course overview
In the last fifty years, sports law has emerged as one of the most important and controversial fields of law. As a discipline, sports law overlaps with contract law, employment law, competition law, intellectual property law, criminal law, tort law and many others. In addition, there are a number of legal issues which are specific to sport such as policy responses to doping and drug use, athlete behaviour and discipline, corruption, and selection processes. This course will examine a number of these areas and analyse the way in which sport and the law interact. The course will provide an overview of some of the unique legal issues which arise in modern elite and professional sports at a national and international level. Subjects covered may include: commercialisation of sport, national and international governance of sport and sporting organisations; employment and contract law issues relating to elite athletes; labour market controls and issues such as salary caps; disciplinary tribunals and the regulation of athlete behaviour; anti-doping policy and cases; restrictive trade practices; and civil/criminal liability for sporting injuries.
Course learning outcomes
- Analyse and apply in a principled manner the intermediate to advanced principles of sports law. Undertake legal research at an advanced level, and evaluate and apply a range of legal sources to resolve complex sports law problems;
- Apply the law related to sport to resolve legal problems
- Develop well-structured and persuasive written arguments for a mixed legal and non-legal audience. Communicate effectively as an individual
- Interact with peers in an ethical manner, appropriate to an academic environment. Exercise professional judgement in completion of in-class activities and assessments
- Analyse the impact of the law related to sports from a policy perspective
- Reflect on their ability to effectively undertake work as an individual. Use feedback to inform individual skills development