Safeguarding in Sport: Rethinking Legal Approaches and the Case for Global Standards
It is good practice for safeguarding investigations to have a trauma informed approach and be victim-focussed. Difficulties can arise, however, when a matter reaches the hearing stage. Despite the ability of a panel to implement special measures, the adversarial nature of the legal system and a respondent’s right to cross-examine witnesses and complainants can have a re-traumatising effect. It is often said that safeguarding processes are too legalistic.
How should this be managed? Is the solution as simple as implementing an inquisitorial approach or would that impinge on the rights of those against whom complaints have been made?
Could a solution be for international federations to draft safeguarding policies, rules and procedures that must be applied globally on a mandated basis. Do different legal systems, cultural differences or cost present a barrier to such an approach? Is it simply too difficult or do we just need momentum and political will?
This session will explore whether the current safeguarding systems and processes are fit for purpose or whether there needs to be change, radical or otherwise. It will discuss whether international federations could or should do more and explore whether a global unified code is a potential solution to raise and harmonise standards.
--The session will be moderated by TV presenter Jacqui Oatley MBE, and the speakers for this session will be announced in due course.--
The Must-Attend Event for Sports & Law Professionals
Our 10th Annual Conference in association with Winston & Strawn LLP, scheduled for Thursday, 1st May 2025, will take place at the five-star Leonardo Royal London St Paul's Hotel. The milestone event will celebrate a decade of bringing together top legal and sports professionals to discuss the most pressing issues in the industry.
As always, the conference will feature an exceptional line-up of speakers and panellists, including leading experts in anti-doping, athlete welfare, good governance, and integrity. We are also excited to announce that TV presenter Jacqui Oatley MBE will be moderating the conference, bringing her expertise and dynamic presence to the event. Attendees will have the chance to engage in dynamic discussions, learn from thought leaders, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends shaping the future of sports law.
In addition to the informative sessions, the conference will provide ample networking opportunities, with over 250 professionals from the legal and sports sectors expected to attend. From a dedicated breakfast to networking coffee breaks and a post-conference drinks reception, there will be plenty of chances to connect and share ideas with like-minded peers.
A provisional agenda is available on our event page, and we will gradually announce detailed session topics and speaker profiles in the coming months.
TICKETS
We are pleased to keep ticket prices the same as last year, despite rising costs and high inflation.
Early Bird Tickets are priced at £330.00 (ex. VAT) and are available until 23:59 on Monday, 24th March 2025.
Standard Tickets are priced at £395.00 exc. of VAT.
Students in full-time education have the opportunity to attend the conference for the discounted price of £99.00 exc. of VAT with our Academic Ticket (student ID or email address required).
Our Group Ticket permits three tickets to be purchased for the price of two standard price tickets (which works out as £263.33 exc. of VAT per ticket). Please note that this offer is only applicable to standard ticket prices and all three attendees must be from the same organisation. Further discounts are also available should an organisation wish to purchase more than 3 tickets. To find out more about our group bookings please email us at: resolve@sportresolutions.com
