To help equip the sport management professional we will introduce students to legal aspects of sport and recreation in various 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.
Students will be introduced to the legal/business responsibilities of sport and recreation managers, as well as coaches, staff and volunteers. Among the areas covered are: the legal status of organizations, risk management, contracts, and liability.
Around the world, but especially in the United States, legal issues surrounding sport and recreation are numerous and serious. For the believer working in this field, it is imperative that he or she know, understand and follow applicable laws. Negligence in this area will jeopardize our programs, our witness and possibly the safety or lives of our participants.
We are instructed by Paul to be “subject to the governing authorities” and this includes the running of our sport and recreation programs. Beyond simply following the law, scripture will help us deal with ethical issues that may be 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 this area of sport law will “shine among them like stars in the sky.”
Within the general scope of sport law, students will be tasked with finding research or case studies that apply to their particular activity or locale.
Examples or case studies from a variety of cultures will be examined with the objective of showing that ‘one size does not fit all’ when it comes to sport law. Students will appreciate cultural differences and see the importance of knowing the law of the land.
By personalizing some of the content for their own context, students will be prepared to manage within the constraints of applicable law.
As part of their current involvement within sport and recreation, students will be asked to evaluate and critique current legal practices within their team or organization.
