WEEK 8: SPORTS LAWS

                                   WEEK 8

                              SPORT LAWS

This is a highly organized competition physical activity. Law means rules and regulation governing an association, sport or physical activity.

TORT

This is a direct or an indirect injury sustained for which the injured person has the right to sue and collect compensation for damages in sport, tort is concerns mainly with injuries to a person’s body and damage to properties or reputation forwhich the athlete has it right to sue the person for compensation. For example if an athlete injures another athlete intentionally by kicking, which is direct injury, the injured athlete has the right to sue for compensation because if the injuries sustained.

NEGLIGENCE

This is a failure to act the way reasonable person should do due to lack of proper care and attention.

Negligence means that some one has not done what he or she supposed to do.

SOURCES OF NEGLIGENCE

There are many sources of negligence which includes:-

1. Failure of a sport to give adequate instruction on how to use equipment in the gymnasium.

2.  Failure to examine equipment and remove he bad ones before they are used by the students.

3. Failure to clear the playground for possible hazards before it is used.

4. Allowing a sick child to perform strenuous activity

5. Lack of guidance and support for beginners in gymnastic exercise.

LEGAL LIABILITY

This is an offence action or situation for which court action may be taken. The offences situation or action that can bring above liability are cases of tort, negligence and assault

IMPLICATIONS OF LEGAL LIABILITY FOR SPORT DEVELOPMENT

1. It helps to refine play in sport if players know they will be sued for dangerous play, they will be more careful and play to the rules of the game.

2. It makes officiating officials perform their duties with sincerity and seriousness.

3. It makes school personnel and accompanying officials to act in the safest manner in sport activities to prevent being liable.

4. It allows managers of sports to ensure that special facilities and equipment are in good condition for sporting activities.

5. It makes sports organizers to provide medical personnel to take care of players and officials during sporting competitions.

6. It makes for proper medical attention and care for players and officials by medical personnel during sporting activities.

ASSAULT IN SPORTS

This means a physical injury or an action (threat) to injure a person. An act of assault puts in person involved in fear of bodily harm, actual harm or emotional in stability.

WAYS ASSAULT OCCUR IN SPORT

1. When a beginner in annoyance raises a hockey stick to hit an opponent but drops it even when strike was not done, it is an assault to the opposing player.

2. When a player hits or kicks another player intentionally with or without obvious injury.

3.  When a player tears another player’s jersey by holding the player.

4. When an athlete is raped.

Evaluation Questions:

1. Define Sport Laws?

2. Give a brief explanation on the following.

a.   Tort

b.   Negligence

c.   Legal liability