This module aims to give students an understanding of the law as it relates to sport. It will introduce students to a range of principles which have underpinned development of the area of sports law, such as the juridification of sport, the autonomy of sport, the role of sports governing bodies, how sports decisions are challenged in law and the relationship between sports law and the rules of the game. These broad principles will be explored within the context of a number of substantive topics, such as sports law contracts, civil and criminal liability in sports, sports ethics and integrity and non-discrimination and inclusion in sport. Students will be encouraged to take a critical view of the area of sports law, scrutinising its impact on a range of stakeholders (such as fans, participants and officials), as well as asking wider questions about accountability and integrity within sports.

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of a number of substantive topics of sports law.

(LO2) Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of a number of key principles underpinning the area of sports law.

(LO3) Students will be able to situate sports law within the wider framework of laws external to sports, sports governance and the rules of the game.

(LO4) Students will be able to engage critically with the impact of sports law on a range of actors, such as sportspeople, fans and spectators, officials.

(LO5) Students will be able to communicate ideas about sports law using reasoned arguments, fully supported by appropriate authority drawn from a range of sources (e.g. legal authority, published research, media sources, official reports etc).

(LO6) Students will be able to use legal research practices to develop ideas around sports law.

(S1) Legal knowledge.
This module will allow students to develop their understanding of a range of topics of English, European and international law through the lens of the hybrid subject of sports law. The use of key cases as a springboard for wider learning, supported by reading groups, will allow students to deepen their understanding of caselaw and how to read cases. Students will be tested on their knowledge via MCQs and given feedback to aid their learning.

(S2) S2 Legal research.
Students will be expected to identify and assimilate materials in advance of seminars and to carry-out independent research for their coursework. They will also need to identify the answers to questions in the MCQs. This will help them improve their legal research skills.

(S3) S3 Written and oral communication.
Students will be expected to communicate complex legal ideas both orally and in written word. In seminars and reading groups they will contribute to discussion with module staff and their peers. The coursework will require them to produced a piece of writing which demonstrated sustained legal argumentation, drawing on appropriate supporting materials.

(S4) Critical analysis.
Students will be expected to evaluate materials, consider outcomes and weigh up arguments. The module’s emphasis on challenging the value and validity of sports law from the perspective of individuals will allow students to develop their ability to apply a range of critical lenses.

This is an indicative syllabus only. The specific topics and the order in which they are taught will change from year to year.

Introduction to Sports Law
Topic 1: Sports Law Contracts
Topic 2: Civil and Criminal Liability in Sports
Topic 3: Sports Ethics and Integrity
Topic 4: Sport, Discrimination and Inclusion
Topic 5: Commercial Interests in Sport

Each topic will entail study of the substantive area outlined above, as well as a key underlying concept or principle of sports law (e.g. influence of laws external to sport, relationship between sports law and the rules of the game, the role of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the role of Sports Governing Bodies). Each topic will be introduced via a key case in the area, which will ensure students are fluent in reading cases from a range of courts which influence sports law.

Teaching Method 1: Lectures
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 12
Description: Lectures will provide an overview of each topic.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2: Reading group
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 4
Description: For each of the four topics studied in this module, a key case will serve as a jumping off point – these reading groups are to allow students to discuss these cases in advance of the corresponding seminar to develop their understanding of both substantive and procedural issues of sports law. Students will be expected to read the case in advance as well as some basic reading to support their understanding (such as case-notes or blogs). Groups will be led by module staff.
Attendance Recorded: No (optional activity)

Teaching Method 3: Seminar
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 8
Description: Reading and questions will be set in advance, students will be expected to come to the seminars ready to participa te in discussion.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 126 hours
Description: Students will use this time to complete reading for the reading groups and seminars, to reflect on lecture notes and to prepare for assessments.