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.