Sport - Conduct codes apply to sportspeople and spectators
Sport is now big business. So it should come as no surprise that sports law is one of the legal profession’s fastest growing areas.
Some AFL footballers hit the headlines not just for their sporting prowess come finals time, but for public indiscretions which can become police matters. Olympic athletes can be quick to call in a lawyer to appeal selection decisions and sporting bodies are required to enforce legally-binding anti-doping rules and regulations as well as make sure its members behave according to codes of conduct.
So just how far will the arm of the law reach on the sports oval in the future?
The AFL Players Association recently voted to support changes to the AFL’s drugs policy which will see players undergo hair tests to detect drug use within the previous three months. The testing will be after the off-season period.
The players also backed a maximum 18-match ban for a third positive drugs test, up from 12 matches previously.
Down in the “little league”, the Victorian government is looking at ways to stamp out sideline violence and curb the “ugly parent syndrome”.
Sports Minister James Merlino says a code of conduct for spectators will be brought in to quell violent outbursts.
The code, which could see offenders jailed, follows an increasing number of incidents involving bad behaviour by parents and coaches at junior competitions.
Mr Merlino said the program, which runs across junior football, soccer, netball and basketball, will raise awareness and be important in addressing bad behaviour during sporting events.
Under the initiative, spectators, including parents, and officials will be asked to adhere to a code of conduct. Breaches would be reported to local clubs and officials, and lengthy bans may be enforced.
Mr Merlino said that, in the worst circumstances, violence should be reported to police.
Disclaimer:
The information in this newsletter is not intended to be a complete statement of the law relating to the issues raised. Accordingly, no person should rely on this information without first obtaining specific advice from Brendan Kelly or Sam Marash of our office. | 
