LAU22612 Sports Law

Module Learning Outcomes with embedded Graduate Attributes  

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Engage with theoretical approaches to the legal regulation of sport
• Compare models of regulating sport across jurisdictions and between sports
• Explain and critically analyse important elements of Irish and international law in respect of selected popular sports
• Situate the legal regulation of sport within the economic and cultural significance of sport
• Communicate research on sport and the law

Module Content

This module examines how and why sport is regulated at national and international levels. It will appeal to anyone with an interest in sport as a social phenomenon, a business opportunity, or a field of legal practice. The module will situate the legal regulation of sport in its contemporary economic and social contexts by examining key themes and cutting-edge issues in the field, including:

• Commercialisation and financial fair play
• Athlete eligibility, doping and other discipline issues
• Liability for injuries, including long-term brain injury
• Sports broadcasting, intellectual property and gambling regulation
• Administration of sports governing bodies
• Child safeguarding
• The development of women’s sports
• Sport, law and ‘power politics’, including political expression and international sanctions

Students will engage with leading theories of the regulation of sport to compare and critique legal regimes applying to different sports across different jurisdictions. In the interests of accessibility, certain selected popular sports in the Irish and European context (soccer, Gaelic games and rugby) will be relied on to illustrate recurring themes in sports regulation. Reference will also be made where appropriate to other sports which better illustrate specific issues, including horse racing and track and field. Efforts will be made to reflect the professional reality for practising sports law in Ireland and internationally.