Scherini Lawyers
Sports Contract Lawyers Melbourne | Agreements & Disputes
Sports Contracts and Contract Disputes in Melbourne
Sports contracts form the foundation of professional and amateur sports. They define the relationships between athletes, clubs, sponsors, agents, and governing bodies. At Scherini Lawyers in Melbourne, we have extensive experience in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and litigating sports contracts, ensuring that our clients’ rights and interests are protected.
Types of Sports Contracts
- These contracts outline an athlete’s terms of employment, including salary, bonuses, performance clauses, termination provisions, and intellectual property rights.
- (See also our Employment Law page for employment rights in Victoria).
Contracts between athletes or clubs and sponsors, specifying sponsorship obligations such as:
- Financial support, provision of goods/services.
- Athlete’s/Club’s obligations (e.g., appearances, endorsements, and logo use).
Common Sports Contract Disputes
Breach of Contract
Failure to fulfil contractual obligations (e.g., non-payment, failure to provide services, early termination).
Interpretation Disputes
Conflicts over the meaning of specific contract clauses.
Performance Issues
Disagreements regarding athlete performance or club obligations.
Termination Disputes
Challenges to contract termination clauses.
Intellectual Property Disputes
Unauthorised use of trademarks, copyrights, or image rights.
Resolving Sports Contract Disputes
Engaging in direct communication with the other party to reach a mutually beneficial settlement.
Utilising an independent mediator to help parties reach a resolution without litigation.
Submitting disputes to a neutral arbitrator for a binding decision.
Arbitration is often specified in sports contracts, particularly through recognised bodies like:
- Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) – [Read more about CAS](link to /sports-law/court-of-arbitration-for-sport/).
- National Sports Tribunal (NST) – Australia’s dedicated sports dispute resolution body.
Pursuing court proceedings when other resolution methods fail.
Cases may be heard in:
- Federal Court of Australia (for corporate and commercial sports disputes).
- Victorian Supreme Court (for state-level sports contract matters).
How Scherini Lawyers Can Help
- Contract Drafting: Ensuring contracts are legally sound, clear, and enforceable
- Contract Review: Analysing existing contracts to identify potential risks and obligations
- Contract Negotiation: Advocating for favourable terms for athletes, clubs, and sponsors
- Dispute Resolution: Representing clients in tribunals, arbitration, or court proceedings
