ABSTRACT

This chapter provides a brief guide and orientation as to how sport is regu-

lated. It shows that although the law maintains an important presence, often

directly intervening or threatening intervention, sport in many situations

also attempts to regulate itself. While this chapter focuses on issues partic-

ularly pertinent to the situation in England and Wales, the general ethos and

approach are applicable throughout other jurisdictions. As such, the case

studies are vehicles to explore issues, dealing with themes that can be applied

in other areas. First, the chapter outlines some of the theoretical debates

about law’s role in sport. Second, we examine professional boxing as an

example to demonstrate the various ways in which law has encroached upon

the ability of the sport to govern itself. Third, we consider how the law has

been at the centre of the changes that have occurred within the top strata of

professional football: in particular here legislation has been used to alter the

physical configuration of the grounds through the imposition of all seater

stadia, whilst fans have been subjected to a barrage of restrictions through

specific statutory intervention. Football also provides a good example of

direct government involvement and attempts to provide a vehicle for regu-

lation through an independent football regulator. Finally, the chapter outlines

some of the likely future issues, trends, and directions in the area.