To help equip the sport management professional, we introduce students to legal aspects of sport and recreation in various international settings. From city recreation programs at a local park to professional teams in giant stadiums, there are legal issues that management must navigate to run successful programs while limiting the organization’s liability. Since different locales have different laws, the course introduces the student to the legal issues from a global perspective.
The global multi-billion-dollar sport industry needs a robust system of checks and regulations to ensure fans, players, and clubs get the best deals, are not exploited, and operate ethically. Students learn from a global perspective, everything from contracts to trademark law to tax issues.
Many international sport leagues and recreation programs are modeled and structured after the United States. Each topic covered is comparative in nature between North America, Europe, and the rest of the world. For the believer working in this field, he or she must know, understand and follow applicable laws. Negligence in this area jeopardizes our programs, our witness, and possibly the safety or lives of our participants.
The Apostle Paul instructs us to be “subject to the governing authorities,” which includes running our sport and recreation programs. Beyond simply following the law, scripture help students deal with ethical issues outside the letter of the law.
God is at work in the sport and recreation world, and those called to that world and committed to excellence in the area of sport law “shine among them like stars in the sky.”
Students are tasked with finding research or case studies that apply to their particular activity or locale within the general scope of sport law.
Examples derived from case studies from various cultures are examined to show that ‘one size does not fit all’ when it comes to sport law. Students learn and appreciate cultural differences and see the importance of knowing the peculiar local law.
By personalizing some of the content for their context, students are prepared to manage within the constraints of applicable law.
As part of their current involvement within sport and recreation, students are asked to evaluate and critique current legal practices within their team or organization.
