Although, to be fair, in anti-doping cases our opponents are most often not fellow lawyers but anti-doping organizations. But that’s another story 😅
In July this year, Ganna Gnizdovska, Managing Partner of Juris Ferrum Law Firm, was invited as a guest lecturer for the “Sports Business Management” course organized by the Laba Business School.
The topic of her lecture was “Legal Aspects of Managing Sports Institutions”.
As always, it wasn’t about dry legal theory but about real-life cases — what actually happens in sports clubs, schools, and academies when a contract with a coach is signed “on a napkin,” and the inspection is already at the door.
Key points of the lecture:
🔹 Legal form of a sports institution.
Ganna explained in detail when it is appropriate to register as a sole proprietor, a limited liability company, a non-profit organization, or a private educational institution — and what tax implications each structure carries.
The choice depends on the purpose: for commercial activities — an LLC or sole proprietorship; for sports development and participation in grants — a non-profit organization; for training children — a licensed private educational institution.
🔹 Documentation for lawful operation.
Mandatory licenses, certificates, and insurance — without them, a sports business risks facing claims from regulatory authorities.
🔹 Contracts with clients and coaches.
The lecturer emphasized the importance of written agreements, distinguishing between civil and employment contracts, and complying with data protection requirements.
🔹 What to do during inspections.
A separate section covered common mistakes made by managers during visits from inspectors — from lacking internal policies to improper behavior with officials.
At the end of the lecture, Ganna emphasized:
“Sport is business, but every business starts with law. A lawyer accompanying a sports institution must think not only normatively but also strategically — to identify risks before they become problems.”
We liked this quote so much that we decided to end our story about the event with it. 💼
Because, in the end, every case discussed during the lecture is not just a real-life example but a small reminder of how not to act — unless a business plans to get acquainted with the tax office, inspectors, or court summons more closely than it would prefer. 😅
We believe that conversations about the sports business should be honest — without pomp, but with humor and a clear understanding that law is not a formality, but the framework that keeps everything afloat.
💛 Our gratitude to Laba for the trust and inspiration.
For us, it was a great pleasure and honor to share our practical experience with those who are shaping the future of sports management in Ukraine.