Risk In Sport
This week the legal advisor to the England Rugby Team Richard Smith QC visited Plymouth to chair ‘Risk in Sport’, an event that looked at the laws governing the multi billion pound sports industry – from the school playing field to the professional clubs.
Over 80 people involved in sport organisations attended hearing South West law firm Foot Anstey talk about the legal issues in sport including criminal damage, discrimination and harassment in sport, sports injury and insurance and child protection issues.
Every week more than eight million children in the UK play sport. Most children safely enjoy themselves but a few risk abuse from individuals who chose sports work to access children. This was a key concern for the audience and Helen Bull, a specialist in Foot Anstey’s childcare and family finance team, outlined the responsibilities of clubs in protecting children.
Helen Bull said “All clubs and organisations must safeguard children and comply with current legislation. Spotting the tell tale signs of abuse and knowing what to do when a child makes a complaint is critical.
“Clubs receiving public funding or affiliated to a sport’s governing body must have a child protection officer, a child protection policy and follow the procedures and guidelines laid down by their sporting bodies. Paying lip service to policies and having your head in the clouds means you are likely to end up in hot water.”
Nigel Lyons, a specialist in criminal law, explained how criminal offences ranging from threats to physical assaults can happen when playing a sport. His talk also included criminal damage by fans or players.
Kelvin Farmaner, specialist in personal injury talked about the issue of sports injuries and the importance of insurance.
During the question and answer session many sporting organisations wanted more information on harassment and sex discrimination from James Collings, an employment lawyer from Foot Anstey.
James Collings said: “When it comes to sex discrimination it is as important to follow the spirit of the law as well as the letter of it. Employers who don’t take complaints of sex discrimination or harassment seriously risk significant financial penalties”.
The evening finished with a raffle for a signed Plymouth Albion shirt raising £250 for Wooden Spoon (rugby’s charity supporting disadvantaged children and young people). Richard Smith QC and Plymouth Albion player Ed Lewsey presented it the winner David Trewin of Plymouth Referees Society.
