Diploma in Sports Law Course

On completion of this training programme, participants will have:

• A comprehensive understanding of sports law;
• An ability to advise clients with confidence on a range of sports law issues;
• Acquired the skills to deal with sports law issues in practice;
• A thorough knowledge of the key legal issues when setting up a sports club and running a sports club;
• An in-depth understanding of the key issues to address when representing an amateur/ professional sportsperson;
• An excellent grasp of the technical areas of anti-doping, liability and discipline in sport.

Programme structure and approach to learning

This diploma will provide participants with an insight into the dynamic area of sports law, both domestically and internationally. Modules will address practical issues which practitioners from the smallest to the largest firms can advise on. The course begins with a look at the regulation and governance of the sport sector and identifies and discusses the sporting governing bodies. It outlines how to set up a club and reviews the rules that need to be followed.

The course also looks at club membership and the protection of both players and management. The issue of concussion and second impact syndrome has become very topical and we ask the question: how do clubs protect themselves and their players and members? Additionally, the area of child protection is examined, which is key to ensuring that young people are safeguarded in their participation in sport.

This diploma also provides a detailed examination of the commercialisation of sport, including sponsorship agreements, broadcasting, ticketing and merchandising. Key issues such as corruption in sport, violence, gambling, and technology in sport will be considered, followed by an in-depth look at the WADA anti-doping code. Finally, the course looks at disciplinary procedures, both internal and external, to include the use of alternative dispute resolution in sport. What disciplinary codes are or should be in place? What policies and procedures are in place to ensure these are adhered to and enforced? These and other questions are discussed.

Modules

The programme is based on the following module scheme and covers key themes as listed below:

Module 1: Governance and regulation

• Sporting bodies,
• Organisational structure; setting up a club,
• Rules and regulations,
• Taxation of sports organisations,
• Funding and grant applications; lottery licences,
• EU law and sport.

Module 2: Commercialisation of sport

• Sponsorship agreements,
• Ambush marketing,
• Broadcasting,
• Ticketing,
• Merchandising.

Module 3: Membership

• Player and management liability,
• Protection of players,
• Club policies and procedures,
• Social media policies,
• Equality and discrimination,
• Child protection,
• Data protection.

Module 4: Player rights

• IP and media rights,
• Image and player rights,
• Player contracts and rights protection.

Module 5: Key issues in sport

• Corruption in sport,
• Violence in sport,
• Concussion; second impact syndrome,
• Gambling and manipulation of sports,
• Sport and technology.

Module 6: Anti-doping

• Application of the WADA Code,
• Therapeutic use exemption,
• Testing and exemptions,
• Sanctions.

Module 7: Disciplinary procedures

• Disciplinary codes,
• Internal disciplinary procedures,
• On-field offences,
• Dispute resolution bodies,
• Arbitration in sport,
• Court of Arbitration for Sport,
• Suspensions and appeals,
• Challenging decisions.

Workshops

Workshops are interactive sessions that focus on group problem-solving and are designed to revise all modules covered to date and to consolidate the participant’s knowledge.

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Assessments

Three-hour closed-book written examination (100%).

Who should attend?

This course is suitable for the following:

• Solicitors, barristers, and trainees working in sports law, or aspiring to do so;
• Professionals with an interest in sports law;
• Professionals working in national/international sports governing bodies;
• Professionals currently working in the area of sports administration or coaching who wish to broaden the scope and depth of their sports law knowledge;
• Athletes who wish to add to their skillset;
• Individuals who volunteer/are committee members of a sports club.

We welcome applications for this course from suitably qualified non-members.  Please explain your interest and set out any relevant experience in a cover letter and a brief CV. Such applications are subject to a supplemental fee of €350.