MSLA SEPTEMBER UPDATE
WOMEN IN SPORTS LAW PANEL EVENT RECAP
The Women in Sports Law Panel was a remarkable evening. There was a great sense of enthusiasm about the future of Sports Law, as the stories shared demonstrate the importance of resilience, passion and adopting a forward-thinking approach in the dynamic field of Sports Law.
Margot Foster AM OLY (Olympian and Experienced Director)
Margot provided a fascinating perspective on Sports Law, drawing upon her extensive experience as board director, Chairman of the World Athletics Election Oversight Panel and Chair of the World Sailing Election Committee. In these roles, Margot’s work is situated within the integrity of international sports, dealing with matters such as bribery, corruption and inducement. In addition, Margot finds drafting rules that people can understand and effectively apply to be interesting work and emblematic of the fact that every board requires a lawyer. Particularly given lawyers have the capacity to think circularly or around the corners of any given problem. Margot encouraged us to remain open to opportunities outside our immediate sporting interests and to find confidence in the fact that no one in the room is expecting you to fail.
Jessica Cao (Senior Legal Counsel at AFL Players' Association)
Jessica emphasised how unique experiences are our superpower and to always be vocal about what goals you have, as you never know who may be listening. Starting her career in the Employment team of a commercial law firm, Jessica was able to leverage her transferable skills and expertise to her current role. Now, Jessica has the opportunity to genuinely make a difference in the lives of AFL and AFLW players, empowering athletes to make informed choices. One of the most pressing issues facing the sport today is concussion management. In its fabric, AFL is a high-contact sport, and there is a balance to be struck between individual player choice, maintaining that fabric and protecting health and safety. Finally, Jessica shared her memories of painting cricket fields, encouraging us to pursue a career that combines our love of sport and passion for the law by thinking about how we can demonstrate going that extra mile.
Emily Thompson (Legal Counsel at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation)
Emily has successfully combined her love of sports, events and law throughout her career, speaking to the event management and international dimensions of her current role. Particularly in preparing Local Law Questionnaires, which provide status updates on relevant Australian laws. Having also started her career at a commercial law firm, Emily’s volunteer roles with AusCycling has been a fundamental part of her career and further highlights how volunteer roles, or even directly applying for in-house positions, are viable pathways into Sports Law. Emily’s experience in a traditionally male-dominated industry has been particularly inspiring, acknowledging that incredible mentors, both female and male, have helped guide her. Emily emphasised that building legal skills and demonstrating your passion and interest in sport are equally important, as is taking opportunities as they arise.
Daniella Phair (Senior Legal Counsel at Tennis Australia)
Daniella highlighted the way in which Sports Law can be thought of as an amalgamation of general corporate and commercial law matters situated within the sporting industry. For example, Intellectual Property features prominently in media, sponsorship, partnership deals and data generated from the electronic scoring and line calling processes at the Australian Open. Daniella noted how proposed reforms have the potential to impact free-to-air broadcasters in Australia, particularly concerning restrictions on gambling and fast-food advertising. Furthermore, it will be interesting to see how proposed reforms may interact with anti-siphoning laws, which require declared events to be made available free of charge to the Australian public prior to contracting with commercial providers. Finally, Daniella encouraged us to consider studying Employment, IP and Tax Law as foundational units, given not all in-house roles manage integrity, doping or tribunal-related matters that one might typically associate with Sports Law.
We sincerely thank Margot Foster, Jessica Cao, Emily Thompson and Daniella Phair for their time, insight and inspiring words.
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AFL GRAND FINAL BREAKFAST AT MELBOURNE LAW SCHOOL
MSLA invites all members, law students, and community members to join us at the Third Annual MSLA Grand Finals Breakfast on Wednesday September 18th at 7:30am.
Don’t miss MSLA’s flagship event, featuring an expert panel of sports lawyers who play critical roles in navigating the AFL's legal landscape.
Secure your tickets here!
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OFF THE FIELD PODCAST SERIES SEASON 2
In the first episode of Season 2 of ‘Off the Field’, MSLA president Grace Bailey and Communications Officer Alexandra Tayler sit down with Craig Staples to discuss Craig’s career as a highly successful jockey and role as director of the Australian Jockeys Association.
Craig provides a fascinating insight into the industry, particularly surrounding common legal issues that jockeys encounter such as managing risk of serious injury, concussion, integrity matters and his instrumental role in improving Worker's Compensation for jockeys.
Episode 01 will be available soon, with three more episodes to follow.