Sports Clubs Law Clinic
From 2012, we worked with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) offering legal advice to amateur rugby clubs on matters ranging from club governance and employment law to licensing issues.
Through the scheme, we recognised that the issues faced by the clubs we had worked with were not confined to rugby and as a result, our Sports Clubs Law Clinic was set up.
Our focus is on ‘commercial law’ issues, which we have chosen to look at through a sports lens while helping amateur football clubs that may not have experience in legal issues or access to legal advice.
Led by commercial solicitor, Carl Spencer, a School of Law and Politics alumnus, our students receive training and their work is guided by club needs. It may include presentations to clubs and dealing with specific club queries via email.
Our focus areas are:
- Incorporation and corporate governance – including discussing advantages and disadvantages of clubs becoming companies limited by guarantee, and post-incorporation issues.
- Football Association of Wales (FAW) regulations - guidance on the key regulations that affect amateur clubs and the risks of failing to comply.
- Data protection – providing guidance and assisting with preparing a basic privacy policy and data protection policy if required.
- Commercial contracts – providing information about contract implications such as purchasing kit or equipment, hiring a pitch or event space, and engaging volunteers or suppliers.
- Employment and other areas such as employment law, safeguarding, health and safety regulations etc. if clubs seek specific advice on an issue.