Entertainment, Media & SportsLawyer referralSports

Sport organization bylaws and governance

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

  1. 1The agreement or offer
  2. 2Team, league or federation rules
  3. 3The decision being appealed, if any
  4. 4Correspondence with the organization

How a referral works

  1. 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.
  2. 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
  3. 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
  4. 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.

NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights

Frequently asked questions

What does the lawyer charge?

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
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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