Meet Conrad Gibbons, an LLM International Sports Law in Practice graduate, currently working as a Senior Judicial Services Officer at The Football Association. Conrad has kindly agreed to answer a couple of questions to help us find out more about his role and explore his journey from coursework to career.

What is your current role and what are your responsibilities?

My current role is Senior Judicial Services Officer at The Football Association. My main responsibilities relate to facilitating disciplinary and safeguarding hearings throughout all levels of football in England, from the Premier League to U7s teams, in a Secretariat role. I act as the secretary to Panels in hearings and serve as the main point of contact between the parties to disputes and the Panel or Commission responsible for determining the case, ensuring the hearings proceed smoothly and fairly.

How did your course help you prepare for your role?

The course helped me prepare for this role in several ways, primarily in two key areas: the practicalities of football in terms of organizational structure and the application of rules and regulations, and recognizing and understanding the wide applicability of law in sports. Both aspects are pivotal in my current role and will be crucial in my career path going forward.

Could you give an example of how you apply what you learned on the course in your job?

In my role, I often need to communicate with individuals facing charges from a County FA or The FA itself or those subject to safeguarding investigations. The course equipped me to understand and explain legal principles and terminology in an accessible manner, which I utilize daily to assist participants and others in handling potentially distressing situations and providing clear guidance. Furthermore, I frequently field inquiries from highly experienced Panel Members and barristers regarding rules, regulations, and their application in football. The course not only taught me the basics of how law is applied in football but also how to explain this in layman's terms, drawing from a wide range of case law in various sports. The tasks related to mock trials during the course have given me the platform to offer complex guidance to experienced professionals on how regulations should be applied and how procedural matters should be undertaken.

Could you provide details of any placements or applied learning experiences you had while on the course?

During the course, we were assigned to work in groups involved in proceedings concerning a breach of regulations by a football agent, either prosecuting or defending the agent. While these tasks weren't typically my favourite, the experiences and knowledge I gained from them are something I still reflect on regularly. It was a fantastic learning experience and, notably, it was incredibly enjoyable and competitive.

What did you enjoy the most about the course?

What I enjoyed most about the course was meeting all the people and lecturers. The course content related to law in football and the expertise of the lecturers who presented it were particularly fascinating to me. Football is my favourite sport, and I find the intricacies of how law applies to it and how football itself is regulated to be captivating. The insights provided by the lecturers and guest lecturers offered a unique and inspiring glimpse into the world of football.

Do you have any advice for students on the course or thinking about applying for the course?

For those considering applying for the course, I would advise you to go for it! You don't need to be a massive sports fan or aspire to be a solicitor or barrister to benefit from the skills and knowledge you will gain. Even if you're unsure about your career path, this course offers a platform to discover the wide range of jobs and opportunities in the sports sector across various roles and areas. The insights you gain from the course may well inspire your career path moving forward.

How likely are you to recommend this course to a friend or colleague?

I would strongly encourage anyone with a serious interest in breaking into the sports law sector to consider this course. It offers a hands-on, practical view and experience of the sports law sector, preparing you for the realities of this world. The course not only provided me with the knowledge and experience to enter the football sector for my career but has also positioned me well for career progression. I've already recommended the course to several friends and wouldn't hesitate to do so again.

Conrad's journey from the classroom to a thriving career in sports law is indeed inspiring. If you are interested in finding out more about the course, please visit the LLM International Sports Law in Practice course page.