Drafting bylaws, policies and codes of conduct for a sport league, club or association.
Sport appeals often have very short deadlines under the organization's rules or the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada's code; act right away. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral
What is included
Reviews agent, endorsement and name, image and likeness agreements
Drafts sport organization by-laws and governance policies
Represents athletes in eligibility, selection and doping disputes
Advises on safe sport obligations
What is not included
Registration and filing fees and other disbursements
Talent management, booking or agent services
Lawsuits, arbitrations or appeals not covered by the lawyer's written retainer
Tax or accounting advice
Who this service is for
Amateur and professional athletes
Sport clubs, leagues and governing bodies
Coaches and athlete agents
Information to have ready
1The agreement or offer
2Team, league or federation rules
3The decision being appealed, if any
4Correspondence with the organization
How a referral works
1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $2,500–$8,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
Where are sport disputes heard?+
Many national-level disputes go to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada after an internal appeal. Provincial and club disputes follow the organization's own rules.
Should an athlete review an agent agreement?+
Yes. Agent agreements often set exclusivity, commission and length terms that are hard to change later, so a review before signing is worthwhile.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
No outcome can be guaranteed
The other side may not agree to proposed changes
The lawyer confirms the scope, fee and steps in a written retainer before starting