The Regulatory and Disciplinary Team at St John’s Buildings has experience in dealing with sports disciplinary cases from across the sporting world. Whether at amateur or professional levels, we recognise that disciplinary matters in sports have a massive impact on the individuals involved. Whether representing professional bodies or the respondents we pride ourselves on combining breadth and depth of legal knowledge with an awareness of the individual sensitivities relevant to each case. Where required, we will draft procedural documents, file written submissions and represent our clients in preparatory, final and, if necessary, appellate hearings.
Members have appeared in cases involving allegations of anti-doping rule violations (ADRV) before the National Anti-Doping Panel at both first instance and appellate level. We recognise that the severity of the sanctions that can be imposed in such cases can mean the effective end of the athlete’s sporting career and so we ensure that every case is met with both a rigorous professionalism and an understanding approach.
We also have extensive experience before disciplinary commissions relating to on and off-field conduct both on behalf of the athletes and the sporting bodies bringing the charges. Members have appeared before:
- RFU Disciplinary Panel
- FA Independent Regulatory Commission
- Disciplinary Commission of Swim England
- British Gymnastics Integrity Unit
- British Boxing Board of Control
- Rugby League’s Independent Disciplinary Panel
Members of the team have conducted high profile cases which have featured famous sports people or have dealt with sensitive issues such as allegations of racism in youth football. We understand that such cases very rarely exist in a vacuum and often have a wider social context and impact. We support our clients through that process.
