Sports Governing Bodies and Regulations

Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in International Sports Arbitration course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.

Sports Governing Bodies and Regulations

**Advanced Certificate in International Sports Arbitration (ACISA) #

** A postgraduate program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal, procedural, and practical aspects of international sports arbitration.

**Agent, Players #

** A person who represents a sports player in negotiations and deals with sports clubs or organizations. They are responsible for negotiating contracts, endorsements, and other business deals on behalf of the player.

**Athletes' Commission #

** An independent body representing the interests of athletes within a sports organization. It provides a platform for athletes to voice their concerns and opinions on various matters affecting their sport.

**Anti #

Doping Rules:** A set of regulations established by sports organizations and anti-doping agencies to prevent the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports. These rules prohibit the use, possession, and trafficking of prohibited substances and methods.

**Arbitration #

** A dispute resolution process in which a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator, hears evidence and makes a binding decision on the matter. It is often used in sports disputes to resolve issues such as contract disputes, disciplinary actions, and eligibility disputes.

**Arbitration Agreement #

** A contract between parties agreeing to resolve their disputes through arbitration instead of litigation. In sports, this agreement is often included in player contracts and team rules.

**Arbitrator #

** A neutral third party who hears evidence and makes a binding decision in an arbitration proceeding. Arbitrators are often experts in the field of sports law and have experience in dispute resolution.

**CAS Code #

** The set of rules and procedures governing the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). It outlines the jurisdiction, composition, and procedures of the court, as well as the rules for evidence and appeal.

**CAS ad hoc Division #

** A division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport that operates on-site at major international sports events. It provides rapid and efficient dispute resolution services for athletes, teams, and sports organizations.

**CAS Ordinary Division #

** The main division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport that handles disputes that are not time-sensitive or related to ongoing sports events.

**Challenge to Arbitrators #

** A process by which parties can challenge the appointment of an arbitrator due to a conflict of interest or other grounds. In sports arbitration, challenges are governed by the rules of the specific arbitration body.

**Code of Ethics #

** A set of principles and guidelines that govern the behavior of athletes, coaches, officials, and other stakeholders in sports. It promotes fair play, respect, and integrity in sports.

**Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) #

** A contract between a sports organization and a union representing the players. It outlines the terms and conditions of employment, such as salaries, benefits, and working conditions.

**Commercial Arbitration #

** A type of arbitration that involves disputes between businesses or commercial entities. It is often used in sports disputes related to sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and other commercial matters.

**Confidentiality #

** The principle that arbitration proceedings and decisions are kept confidential and not disclosed to the public. This is an important aspect of sports arbitration, as it allows parties to resolve their disputes privately and without public scrutiny.

**Conflict of Interest #

** A situation in which an arbitrator has a personal or financial interest in the outcome of a dispute. This can compromise their impartiality and objectivity, and may result in a challenge to their appointment.

**Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) #

** An international arbitration body that specializes in sports disputes. It provides a neutral and independent forum for resolving disputes related to sports eligibility, anti-doping, and other matters.

**Decision #

** The final ruling or outcome of an arbitration proceeding. It is binding on the parties and enforceable in courts of law.

**Disciplinary Proceedings #

** A process by which a sports organization investigates and punishes misconduct by athletes, coaches, or other stakeholders. It may involve hearings, appeals, and other dispute resolution mechanisms.

**Doping #

** The use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods in sports. It is prohibited by anti-doping rules and can result in sanctions, including disqualification and suspension.

**Duty of Disclosure #

** The obligation of parties to disclose all relevant information to the arbitrator and to each other. This includes any evidence or witnesses that may be used in the arbitration proceeding.

**Eligibility Disputes #

** A type of sports dispute that involves the qualification or participation of athletes in sports events. It may involve issues such as age, gender, citizenship, or compliance with anti-doping rules.

**Evidence #

** Information or material presented to the arbitrator to support a party's case. It may include documents, witness testimony, and other forms of evidence.

**Exequatur #

** A legal process by which a foreign judgment or award is recognized and enforced in a domestic court. In sports arbitration, exequatur is used to enforce CAS awards in national courts.

**Expert Determination #

** A dispute resolution mechanism in which an expert is appointed to make a binding decision on a technical or specialized issue. It is often used in sports disputes related to equipment, facilities, or other technical matters.

**Federal Court of Justice (FCJ) #

** The highest court in Germany for civil and criminal matters. It has jurisdiction over sports disputes that are not subject to arbitration or that have been appealed from lower courts.

**FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) #

** A body within FIFA that handles disputes between players and clubs, such as contractual issues, unpaid salaries, and training compensation.

**Grievance #

** A complaint or concern raised by a party in a sports dispute. It may involve issues such as discrimination, harassment, or breach of contract.

**ICAS (International Council of Arbitration for Sport) #

** An independent body responsible for appointing arbitrators to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). It ensures the independence and impartiality of the CAS.

**IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence in International Arbitration #

** A set of rules governing the collection and presentation of evidence in international arbitration proceedings. It is often used in sports arbitration to ensure a fair and efficient process.

**ILO (International Labour Organization) #

** A United Nations agency that promotes social justice and decent work. It has developed conventions and recommendations related to sports and employment, such as the Convention concerning the Promotion of Collective Bargaining.

**Impartiality #

** The principle that an arbitrator must be unbiased and objective in their decision-making. They must not have any personal or financial interest in the outcome of the dispute.

**Independence #

** The principle that an arbitrator must be free from influence or control by any party or stakeholder in the dispute. They must make decisions based solely on the evidence and the relevant law.

**Interim Measures #

** Temporary actions taken by an arbitrator to preserve the status quo or prevent harm during the arbitration proceeding. It may involve injunctions, restraining orders, or other measures.

**International Sports Federations (IFs) #

** Governing bodies for specific sports that are responsible for developing rules, regulations, and policies for their respective sports. They often have jurisdiction over national federations and athletes.

**Jurisdiction #

** The authority of an arbitrator or court to hear and decide a dispute. Jurisdiction is determined by the rules of the arbitration body or the relevant law.

**Mediation #

** A dispute resolution mechanism in which a neutral third party, known as a mediator, facilitates communication and negotiation between the parties. It is often used in sports disputes to promote compromise and settlement.

**National Anti #

Doping Organizations (NADOs):** Independent bodies responsible for implementing and enforcing anti-doping rules and regulations in a specific country. They often work in collaboration with international anti-doping agencies and sports organizations.

**National Federations #

** Governing bodies for specific sports at the national level. They are responsible for developing and enforcing rules, regulations, and policies for their respective sports.

**Neutrality #

** The principle that an arbitrator must be unbiased and impartial in their decision-making. They must not have any connection or affiliation with any party or stakeholder in the dispute.

**Notice of Arbitration #

** A formal document filed by a party to initiate an arbitration proceeding. It sets out the grounds for the dispute, the relief sought, and the names and contact information of the parties.

**Ombudsman #

** A neutral and independent third party who provides confidential advice, assistance, and support to athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders in sports. They promote fairness, transparency, and accountability in sports organizations.

**Party Autonomy #

** The principle that parties to an arbitration proceeding have the right to determine

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