Collaborative Law in Sports Dispute Resolution: Maximising the Spectrum of Processes Available towards Early Resolution of Sports Disputes

There is a wide range of disputes that can and do arise in the world of international and domestic sport, whether between individuals and their sporting body or between sporting organisations and commercial partners. Sports disputes are currently almost exclusively resolved through arbitration, whether internally within the sports organisation or through an external arbitral body, usually the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This article will explore whether “collaborative law” as an alternative method of dispute resolution, could be adopted in sports disputes, given its successful adoption in other areas. Such alternatives to adjudication have the potential to improve access to justice, reduce cost and achieve sustainable outcomes.