THE new world of social media and addressing child protection were highlighted as the main concerns for clubs at a recent Sports Law Seminar held in Limerick.  The event hosted by the Sports Law Department in Sweeney McGann Solicitors attracted representatives from over 40 clubs across twenty different sporting codes.   The new department coincides with Limerick’s status as European City of Sport and is the first dedicated sports law department in the Mid West region.   Speaking after the event Partner with responsibility for Sports Law, Shane O’Neill outlined “the turnout of such a large number of delegates representing a diverse range of sports is testimony to the challenging climate that clubs must now operate under.  The discussion around dealing with new challenges such as social media highlighted the lack of awareness among many organisations in terms of the potential issues they may face.”  He added “Child protection, however, remains the biggest concern and it is vital that all clubs safeguard themselves by ensuring that the correct policies and procedures are in place.”
The audience were also reminded of the importance of trustees for clubs in addition to dealing with issues such as employment contracts, financing and licensing.  
Speakers at the event also included Gearoid McGann, managing partner of Sweeney McGann who provided an overview of new legal environment for clubs providing examples of local and international sports law cases that could potentially have implications for clubs.  
Ollie Moran provided the audience with an overview of options available under various Player Injury Schemes while Dr Jack Anderson from Queens University discussed new dispute resolution approaches.  Dr Anderson has worked closely with the GAA in devising their dispute resolution structures and provided an insight into the effectiveness of this system urging other sporting codes to examine the systems in place and proposed through Just Sport Ireland.
The seminar marked the official launch of the Sweeney McGann’s new Sports Law department and was organised in conjunction with the Limerick City and County Limerick Sports Partnerships.  Full details of the seminar discussions are now hosted on www.sweeenymcgann.com or by contacting Shane O’Neill on 061 317533.

Pictured at the event were from left: Ollie Moran, Moran Financial Services, Gearóid McGann, Sweeney McGann, Elaine Barry, Limerick Sports Partnership, Shane O'Neill, Sweeney McGann and Jack Anderson, Queens University. Pic: Sean Curtin Press 22.