TEACHING SPORTS LAW AND THE FUTURE OF SPORTS INDUSTRY IN AFRICA

Abstract

This article considers the teaching of Sports Law in Africa. It contributes to literatures by considering the arguments on whether there is Sports law or whether the laws regulating sports be termed Law and Sport. In this regard, the article contends that the study of Sports Law will be interdisciplinary as it will require consideration of multiple areas of law. The paper contends that Sports law is an evolving distinct field of law such as labour law, law of contract, tort, commercial law etc. The article provides for the justification of the study and introduction of Sports law as part of law curriculum in Africa. In doing this, the article examines the global current trend of commercialization, professionalization and the regulation of Sports. It concludes that the knowledge of sports law will position legal practitioners in Africa for the borderless practice of law in the sport industry. Also, it flags up various pedagogy concepts in the teaching of Sports Law. It examines teaching methodologies and analyses practical application. The article contends that the best approach to teaching Sports Law to young minds is to be students focused and work-based because the students of Sport law will be passionate lovers of the various sport activities. Finally, there are suggestions on what a contemporary and ideal Sport law curriculum should contain such as Sport arbitration, Sport regulation, Sport organization, application of criminal and tortuous liability in Sport, sport agency, sport contract among other.