Law - Sports Law

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.



CPD

We have designed our courses to enable you to satisfy as much of your CPD requirement as possible. Time spent attending lectures and workshops in person or completing these via e-learning as part of your course can be claimed towards your annual CPD requirement. The number of hours of CPD that you may claim in relation to your diploma/certificate course will depend on the way in which you access each of the individual sessions. For further information, visit the CPD scheme and download the CPD booklet.



The Diploma Centre team will host our annual CPD conference in November 2024. This complimentary event is a dedicated professional development and solicitor wellbeing and client care and professional standards session. We will post an invitation on your Diploma Hub page later in the year.

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.



Workshop Title Date Time

1 Civic and Criminal liability arising out of sport.

Sports law issues facing a club. Wednesday 27 November 2024 6pm-9pm

2 Broadcasting. Sponsorship Agreements. Wednesday 29 January 2025 6pm-9pm

3 Anti-Doping. Disciplinary matters. Wednesday 26 February 2025 6pm-9pm

4 Exam Preparation Workshop. Wednesday 5 March 2025 6pm-9pm

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 €335.

Application information:

The closing date for applications for this course is 9th October 2024. To apply please follow the instructions below.



Please note, for non-members this course is subject to a supplemental fee of €335 bringing the total course fee to €2,995. No fees are required prior to approval.



Solicitors and Trainees:

To pay online click on the 'Register Now' button (see "Application Weblink" above). For all other methods of payment including, draft, cheque and EFT please see our methods of payment.



Other Professionals

We welcome applications for this course from suitably qualified professionals. Your application must be approved before you can formally register on the course. To apply please email the following documents to diplomateam@lawsociety.ie:



A completed application form (see below)

Your Curriculum Vitae

A short cover letter setting out your relevant experience

Delivery Method:

Live online lectures Wednesdays 6pm to 9pm, with occasional online lecture releases. Four interactive workshops on Wednesday evenings. Lectures available to view on demand.



CPD Hours:

The number of hours of CPD that you may claim in relation to this course will depend on the way in which you access each of the individual sessions. For further information and the booklet, see CPD scheme.

Start Date: Wednesday 23rd October 2024 at 6:00 PM.