Sport, Safety & Participation – Annual Review 2024/25

Welcome to the Safety and Participation chapter of the LawInSport Annual Review 2024/25.  Over the last 40 years, both amateur and professional athletes have been able to use the tort of negligence to claim compensation for harm caused by dangerous and unacceptable on-field conduct. Numerous cases this year have tested the extent to which the law on negligence can compensate participants for such harm. In addition, the last 12 months have also highlighted several developments relating to the liability of those responsible for controlling, organising and regulating sports events and leisure activities. Finally, we have also seen that the law will continue to play a role in ensuring the safety of spectators and workers at sports events.

This chapter examines the key UK cases and developments affecting sports participation over the last year. In particular, it highlights several themes to watch, including:

• Developments in the law applying to injuries caused by participants
• Developments in the liability of event organisers and activity providers
• Developments in the law applying to sports spectators
• Looking to the future