Legal Aspects in Sports Management & Sports Law
Students considering Sports Management as career should possess a fundamental understanding of sports law and other legal aspects of business activities in addition to other abilities like strong analytical, research, problem-solving and communication skills. As sports industry has been fast emerging with a valuation of over billion dollars economy. Sports and sports related industry is an important element in nation building in terms of economy as well as wellbeing of the society. Now the question may arise about the importance of law in sports. The role of sports law is to ensure safety, equality, fairness and integrity in the athletic competition on and off the field. Sports Management refers to assuming leadership position in managing affairs of the sport. It calls for various compliances and administration of rules and regulations prevailing in the nation and across the boundaries.
In sports administrations the subject familiarizes and imparts the aspirants with management knowledge of legal issues pertain to:
- Player Contract,
- Licensing & Deals,
- Sponsorships Agreements,
- Endorsements Agreements,
- Media Rights,
- Taxation,
- Intellectual Property Rights,
- Labour Laws,
- Gender bias and harassment,
- Corruption & Gambling,
- Doping,
- Insolvency & Bankruptcy,
- E-sports, Arbitration & Reconciliation (Alternate Dispute Resolution),
- Immigration Laws,
- Players Transfer, Competition Laws and other common legal frameworks.
As the law of the land is supreme, ignorance of law cannot be an excuse to violate and escape the law. An innocent non-compliance of rules by an athlete may damage reputation and destroy his or her career. So be it on the field or off the field the players and officials are governed by different statutes. Sports are no more recreational activities and it is gaining an Industry Status. State of Mizoram has accorded industry status to sports, many more states to follow the suit. It means professionalism and greater development in sports and sports administration. It will also generate huge employment and attract investment and widen the scope of career in sports.
The legal acumen will help the athletes and official to interpret and apply the rules and regulations properly. It is said that the devil is in details. The various contractual clauses may be one sided or disadvantageous to either of the parties. The agents, sport managers or consultants play a very important role in the progress of athletes, clubs and sports association. Various legal provisions are applied on players and sports associations necessitating expert legal knowledge to deal with.
To be a successful sports entrepreneur, statutory skills are the essence. The course modules are designed and imparted in a manner suitable for the aspirants to grasp and help them make professional application in their career and business. Sports Law are not limited to Indian jurisdiction, it is beyond the national limit. As we are part of various international conventions and member of international sports governing authorities, knowledge of international statutes are also essence. Though we have no special legislation pertain to only sports, but it is evolving as the Government has been active in framing special legislation on sports.
India being country of billion people, sports industry is in nascent stage in terms of economic contribution. The current share of sports in Indian economy is over 100 billion rupees, the trade associations foresee it to multiply exponentially. The greater participation of corporate in IPL & other franchise model of sports contribute to the growth of sports in the future.
The course with deep analysis, research, case studies and participative contribution produces rich management skills in students and make them professional at par with international standard.
Written by Mr. Arul Kumar
IISM Faculty
