27718 Sport and the Law

Subject level: Postgraduate

Handbook description

This subject introduces legal principles and law as they relate to sport activity and its management. It considers the sportsperson and the sports manager in terms of the possible risks, duties and responsibilities within the legal system. It examines contracts, incorporation, directors' liabilities, negligence and risk management, anti-discrimination, consumer protection, and business organisation, in their relevance to sports management.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Understand the legal principles and processes which affect sport management in Australia.
2. Identify the laws and regulations which have particular significance for the sports industry.
3. Articulate and apply legal obligations in management contexts in the sports industry.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject examines the way in which the law impinges on sport managers and their clients. It aims to develop professional skills related to the legal implications of sports management practice.

Teaching and learning strategies

Lecture-tutorials and seminar sessions will be utilised in this subject. Students will complete an exam, give a presentation and participate in a mock trial. Content for this subject will be supported by UTSOnline.

Content

• Legal terminology and the legal system
• Negligence and risk management
• Insurance
• Incorporation; duties of directors; constitutions
• Discrimination
• Competition, consumer protection and ambush marketing
• Contracts, conditions and exclusions
• Industrial relations
• Criminal law
• Judiciaries and self regulation

Assessment

The examination will be conducted under University examination conditions, and hence thoroughly address concerns regarding secure assessment. The examination involves randomised selection from a large item bank each semester, and the re-ordering of responses for questions that are re-used. The presentation and mock trial are individually assessed by the instructor, thus ensuring consistent grading and protection against plagiarism. Choice in topics encourages independent work for these assessment items.

Recommended text(s)

Healey, D. (1996), Sport and the Law, 2nd edition. Kensington, NSW: UNSW Press.

A Reader is prepared containing excerpts from texts, newspaper clippings and journal articles.

Indicative references

Australian Sports Law Reporter. North Ryde, NSW: CCH.

Fewell, M. (ed) (1995), Sports Law: A Practical Guide. North Ryde, NSW: Law Book Co.

Grayson, E. (1999), Sport and the Law, 3rd edition. London: Butterworths.

Greenfield, S. & Osborn, G. (eds.) (2000), Law and sport in contemporary society. London: Frank Cass.

Latimer, P. (2004), Australian Business Law. North Ryde: CCH.