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Katherine Apps interviewed by Sports Resolutions

Katherine Apps is interviewed in the December 2018 Sports Resolutions Newsletter as part of their "Getting to know our Panel".

Katherine's practice spans sport, regulatory, disciplinary, employment, public and equality law and domestic and international human rights. She is currently a member of Sports Resolutions' National Safeguarding Panel and the Panel of Arbitrators for Integrity and Discipline, Commercial Disputes and Employment and Discrimination and is a member of the Board of Appeal of Table Tennis England.

1. Why did you choose to specialise in sports law?

I love the area. I am probably one of the few sports lawyers out there who was attracted first by the "law" rather than the "sport."

I am fascinated by areas of law where private law and public law collide, particularly in disputes which have an international element. Sports law is the ultimate collision zone. You have a jurisdiction based on express and implied terms, many of which are implied from public law. EU law has been a key force in increasing scrutiny of decisions. International codes, such as WADA have been hugely influential. Elite sport is an international business.

I also practice in equality law. Increasingly sports people are seeking to use equality law arguments in sports disputes.  There can often be a subtle balance between establishing a level playing field and avoiding the creation of particular disadvantage to those with protected characteristics.

To read the full interview via the Sports Resolutions website, please click here.