Ethics 8
Sport & the Law
What do I need to know?
Sports Legislation has helped make 21stC sport…
Coaches, officials and event organisers have legal DUTY OF CARE to
SAFER keep players & spectators safe & prevent NEGLIGENCE.
Players are protected by LEGAL CONTRACTS (Bosman Ruling). Strict
FAIRER laws are in place to control gambling, match fixing and illegal use of
performance enhancing drugs.
EQUALITY LAWS prevent discrimination in sport based on gender or
MORE race (Golf clubs can no longer ban women. Eva Caneiro & Chelsea
EQUAL FC.
Violence on the field can be dealt with by legal proceedings e.g.
LESS Duncan Ferguson jailed for headbutting an opponent in 95.
Laws exist to limit spectator violence e.g. banning orders of violent
VIOLENT
spectators & removal of passports before international games of
known offenders.
Sports Legislation Exists to Protect
Performers in the following ways:
CONTRACTUAL DISPUTES with LOSS OF EARNINGS due to:
CLUBS e.g. Non payment of wages • INJURY e.g performers night seek
& Bosman Ruling & freedom of compensation for the deliberate and
contract for footballers. harmful actions of an opponent e.g.
dangerous tackle.
CONTRACTUAL DISPUTES with • INEQUALITY ISSUES to protect players
SPONSORS e.g. a performer from discrimination e.g. USA Women’s
caught doping could negatively Soccer Team Vs their soccer federation.
impact the sponsors image so the
player is in breach of contract.
• FALSE DOPING BANS e.g. Diane Modahl Vs
British Athletics.
Sports Legislation Exists to Protect
Performers in the following ways:
NEGLIGENCE – Players can be
protected against negligent officials
and coaches.
MEDIA INTRUSION – Players can be
protected against media intrusion
with court injunctions.
SPECTATOR BEHAVIOUR – Players can
be protected against spectator
behaviour.
Sports Legislation Exists to Protect
Officials in the following ways:
Officials have a If an official fails to take REASONABLE
LEGAL DUTY OF CARE of another person and avoid any
CARE towards dangers that could cause them harm,
participants to this can be deemed NEGLIGENT
ensure that all e.g.
dangers are • Not maintaining safety in a Rugby
eliminated and that Scrum.
the environment • Allowing a match to take place on a
for participation is dangerous surface that has not
safe. been checked.
Sports Legislation Exists to Protect
Coaches in the following ways:
Steps Coaches can take to demonstrate a Duty of Care:
Coaches have a
DUTY OF CARE • Risk Assessment – Carry out risk assessments for activities being
coached so that dangers can be planned for (check equip, facilities,
to ensure that clothing).
all potential • First Aid – Ensure first aid provision is available at the venue where
risks and coaching is taking place in case of injury.
dangers have
• Supervision Ratios – Maintain appropriate supervision ratios depending
been on activity and age/experience of the group.
eliminated, so
players can • Data Access – Keep contact details, medical & attendance records so
they can be used in an emergency.
participate in a
safe • Training – DBS, safeguarding, first aid.
Sports Legislation Exists to Protect
Organisers in the following ways:
• Ground Safety –
Organisers have a • Legal requirement for all seater stadia & removal of perimeter fences
(after Hillsborough).
DUTY OF CARE to • A fire safety certificate is required from the local authority before
events can happen (after Bradford fire).
keep spectators
safe & measures • Alcohol Controls – legal control of sales on the way to ground &
within.
have been
introduced to • Police Security Measures – specific k/o times imposed by police.
ensure crowd
safety & reduce • Increased security intelligence and police presence –
intelligence gathering & police liaison between forces.
hooliganism.
• Tougher deterrents e.g. banning orders for violent acts, legal
consequences if supporters run on the pitch (trespass).
TASKS
1. What is meant by a duty of care and give example of how coaches,
officials and organisers can demonstrate this.
2. Research & summarise what is meant by the Bosman Ruling below:
3. Research & summarise the reasons why Eva Carneiro claimed legal
action against Chelsea FC & Jose Mourinho?
4. Research & summarise how legal action why the USA women’s
soccer team took legal action against the US soccer federation.
5. Search and watch a video of Duncan Ferguson’s head butt that
landed him in jail.
Some links to help your research…
• Bosman ruling skysport – YouTube
• Eva Carneiro: the Chelsea's doctor destroyed by Mourinho - Oh My Go
al - YouTube
• Are the U.S. women's soccer team players paid less? The gender pay g
ap explained | The Fact Checker - YouTube
• Soccer star Megan Rapinoe on judge's decision on equal pay claims - Y
ouTube
Sport & the Law Podcast – Extra
Reserach
• Law in Action - Sport and the Law - BBC Sounds
