Sports and Recreation Liability

ILG members are recognised leaders in sports and recreation liability, providing coordinated legal defence and advisory services across multiple jurisdictions. Insurers, reinsurers, and their policyholders rely on us to defend complex claims and mitigate emerging risks in this diverse and fast-moving sector. From local facilities to international events, our teams deliver practical guidance that balances regulatory compliance with commercial realities.

Our work spans the full range of sports and recreation liability. This includes physical injury and concussion claims, safeguarding and child protection issues, harassment and assault allegations, hazing, and premises or equipment defect disputes. We also advise on human rights-based claims, COVID-19 exposures, and challenges to the enforceability of waivers. Beyond litigation, we support clients with proactive risk management to reduce exposure and with representation in administrative and disciplinary proceedings involving governance or internal management issues.

Our client base is broad and international, covering professional sports teams and athletes, governing bodies, leagues, colleges, schools, fitness operators, and sports-based start-ups. We also act for global theme parks, skating centres, waterparks, carnivals, and other entertainment and leisure businesses. In addition to liability defence, we provide commercial and corporate advice in areas such as player contracts, sponsorships, media and broadcasting rights, contests and promotions, and data privacy—particularly in light of evolving data protection and reputational risk laws.

ILG members have defended clients in some of the most high-profile and sensitive disputes in the sector, including concussion litigation, safeguarding failures, disciplinary actions, and privacy breaches. Our lawyers have particular experience in motorsports, golf, football, rugby, roller and ice skating, and other high-risk or emerging recreational activities. With both local insight and international coordination, we are well placed to respond to complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes and protect clients from reputational and financial harm.

To remain at the forefront of the sector, ILG members actively participate in key industry organisations, including the International Amusement and Leisure Defense Association (IALDA), the Roller Skating Association International, the International Association of Trampoline Parks, and the World Waterpark Association. Our lawyers regularly attend international sports and leisure conferences, serve on the boards of professional and amateur sports clubs, and sit on disciplinary tribunals. This ongoing engagement provides us with practical, real-world knowledge that informs the advice we give and the strategies we pursue for our clients.