Regulating competitive balance in sport

Sport is an integral part of popular culture, capturing the hearts and minds of millions of people from every section of society 1. Maintaining competitive balance in sport is essential in preserving its long term survival. A higher uncertainty of outcome in contests is likely to result in greater spectator demand and increased revenues; whereas an imbalanced competition will eventually lead to a decline in attendance and the overall quality of the sport. The regulation of competitive balance in individual sports is difficult to implement, as success relies largely on the athlete’s individual skill and ability 2. In contrast, team sports can be influenced by a number of regulatory measures such as player drafts, salary caps, transfer windows, and player quotas. Analysis into Europe and North America’s regulation of competitive balance reveals a variety of measures used to foster greater equality of opportunity between teams competing with one another in sport. Unfortunately European sports are restricted somewhat, as access to sport is considered to be a social advantage and importance for the integration of citizens, and therefore cannot remain outside the scope of the fundamental principles of free movement. Although the European Union accepts the ‘specificity of sport’, it grants no exception from European Union law for the industry; a principle that has recently been reaffirmed in the decisions of Bosman 3 and Meca-Medina 4. Sports governing bodies must therefore ensure new rules and regulatory measures comply with European Union law; reducing the number of measures available to them.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Nottingham Trent University

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Kashani, O

Language dc:language

en