Sports Clubs Solicitors for clients in Sussex including Brighton, Uckfield and Seaford
Sport is now a multi-billion pound global industry. The numerous challenges faced by players, clubs, and national and international governing bodies are immense. One of the many issues facing those working in the sports industry is to ensure they obtain specialist legal advice on what are increasingly complex issues.
Rix & Kay’s emerging Sports Law team provides the full range of legal services to all areas of the sports sector and offers access to expertise in several areas.
We provide suggestions, ideas, resources and solutions, without losing sight of the commercial realities. We are proactive and commercial and used to advising on high profile or complex issues. Because we act for a number of sports clubs and associations we anticipate issues and advise our clients on how to deal with or avoid them.
Our Experience
We have worked with a variety of teams, clubs and associations including: Northampton Town FC, (League 2 – Professional) Brighton & Hove Albion FC, (League 1 – Professional) Lewes FC, (Blue Square South – Semi Pro)
Active Lewes (innovative sports hub) Hastings United FC, (Ryman – Semi Pro) Eastbourne RFC, (Amateur) Seaford RFC, (Amateur)
Heathfield RFC (Amateur) Uckfield RFC (Amateur) Brighton Bears Basketball (Was Professional) Brighton Cougars Basketball (EBL with Pro ambitions)
Rix & Kay has additionally built key relationships with the sporting community project, the Brighton & Hove Albion’s Seagulls Specials. As lead sponsor of the project we have helped them work and support over 4000 disabled children throughout Sussex.
Extreme Sports
We have been for a number of years acting for Polar Explorer, Pen Hadow. We are the official supplier of legal services to his latest project.
Winning Teamwork
Against the backdrop of a seemingly ever-worsening economic climate, the trustees and members of amateur sports clubs that have retained their unincorporated status would be wise to look into the benefits of incorporation. Sports clubs are not immune to the rising costs and falling revenues of other enterprises. Those that are not run as a limited company could leave the individuals in charge extremely vulnerable.
Unincorporated associations do not benefit from the limited liability afforded to companies and they are not a separate legal entity in their own right. As such, the committee members of such associations may be personally liable for the debts and liabilities of the club.
In addition to protecting the committee members from debts and liabilities, incorporation of a sports club can make administration easier. Among other advantages, property can be held by the club itself rather than through trustees and legal proceedings can be conducted by the club in its own name, whether as claimant or defendant.
Another important benefit of incorporation is the protection from liability under claims of negligence. Clubs that compete in sports where the risk of serious injury is high will find incorporation a particularly attractive proposition. While insurance provides a certain level of protection to committee members, it does not offer complete peace of mind. Insurance and incorporation should be used together as a two stage defence for those who manage the club’s affairs.
Once incorporation has been decided as an appropriate course of action, consideration must be given to the type of company to be used. There are a range of options and combinations for the club’s structure (limited by guarantee, Community Interest Company, Community Amateur Sports Club, Charity) and it is important to choose the correct fit.
Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP has a wide spectrum of sports clients ranging from grass roots clubs right through to professional football and rugby clubs. Our extensive experience in this field means we will be able to guide clubs through the various options available based on a club’s specific background and needs. We are able to help the trustees and members of a sports club through every stage of the incorporation process.
