Regulatory in sport

Achieving regulatory compliance is challenging for any large multi-faceted organisation, but the task can be particularly exacting for those in the public eye. With regulatory authorities increasingly focused on enforcement and courts more powerful than ever when sentencing, an organisation’s response to an investigation has never been more critical. 

Our team consists of regulatory and criminal defence lawyers and is frequently called upon to represent organisations, sporting governing bodies and individuals in the most serious, high-profile cases. 

The team has a wealth of experience in providing tailored commercial solutions across the entire breadth of regulatory issues, from corporate manslaughter to fire safety, safeguarding, COVID re-emergence, environmental, food safety, trading standards and consumer protection. 

We provide strong technical, tactical and commercial advice, negating PR damage where necessary. Our lawyers are all highly experienced in incident response and provide an immediate and proactive approach to crisis management.

Experience  

• Athletes – Advising on allegations of common assault and GBH whilst competing in sports competitions, including possible ramifications in terms of suspension by the relevant governing body and the likelihood of criminal prosecution.
• A rugby player – Representing the player at an internal RFU disciplinary hearing, where we challenged a fine and match ban after alleged misconduct on the field.
• An events management business – Advising following a near-fatal accident involving a minor who had been employed underage. The complex multi-party investigation required proactive steps to place the business in the best possible position to defend the allegations it faced.