Sports Law

What is sports law?

While professional sports agencies may be the first that comes to mind, sports law is a term that encompasses many different types of law that affect the way people play sports, both professionally and recreationally. For example, a professional athlete relies on contract law for his gaming agreement. Trademark law protects the team they play for. If an athlete gets hurt on or off the field of play, personal injury law comes into play. In addition to professional athletes, sports law reaches the youngest individuals involved in sports, children. Coach training and safety equipment rules affect young athletes.

Contract law in sports law

Perhaps the most well-known area of sports law is contract law. Contracts between professional athletes and the teams that contract them are critical. A contract should carefully describe the terms of performance. Sports lawyers often serve as representatives as well as legal negotiators. Sports law involves more than just athletes; Coaches, managers and athletic trainers also need sports contracts.

Personal injury law in sports law

Personal injuries occur in sports. A personal injury may occur during or outside the game/match/training. Personal injury law may be related to sports law. While an athlete may have a legal claim after a personal injury, millions of fans attending sporting events may also have personal injury claims. Any venue hosting sporting events must take care to avoid negligent conduct that could give rise to personal injury liability. If a fan is injured at a game, the gym’s negligence in maintaining the property could be a legal issue.

Trademark law in sports law

Professional sports teams adhere to their trademarks. Trademark infringement is a challenging area of sports law for attorneys who work to protect trademarks on behalf of professional sports teams. Sports lawyers serve a critical function protecting the trademark rights of the teams they represent.

Criminal law in sports law

Sports law is not exempt from criminal law. Athletes are not subject to criminal prosecution for on-field behavior. Most behavior in sports is subject to presumed consent. In other words, some physical contact is part of the game. However, when contact goes beyond what is expected and reasonable at a sporting event, an athlete may face criminal

prosecution for their actions. Any athlete, whether professional or amateur, can face criminal charges for an assault that goes beyond the scope of the game.

Labor and employment law in sports law

Professional sports teams and sports venues are employers. From professional athletes to coaches to security guards and concession crew members working at games, a professional or college sports team is an employer. Labor and employment laws apply to sports teams. Working with an attorney for sports law can mean helping the employee understand and apply labor and employment laws, including hiring practices, termination procedures, workers’ compensation, health insurance practices, taxes, and medical leave.