To be(lly putt) or not to be(lly putt), that is the question

Written by Richard Berry, Alexander Milner-Smith on 22.04.13 Sports | Blogs | Golf | Lewis Silkin

Are the R&A and USGA about to run in to an unexpected legal play-off? Adam Scott’s victory in the Masters last weekend signified a landmark moment in more ways than one. Not only was it the first victory for an Australian in what is arguably golf’s most prestigious tournament, it also marked the completion of a career grand slam for the anchored putter following victories for Keegan Bradley (2011 PGA Championship), Webb Simpson (2012 US Open) and Ernie Els (2012 Open). Scott’s triumph at Augusta has now served to fan the flames of golf’s hottest debate.

Social media tamed? Trepidation in the upper echelons of sports organisations

Written by Iain McDonald, Ned Lewis on 19.02.13 Sports | Blogs | Lewis Silkin

In November 2012 we wrote a piece for this website which essentially explained why the use of social media by sports people is here to stay. However, there is little doubt that the irresistible march of social media has been met with trepidation in the upper echelons of many sports organisations. As vividly stated by Hugh Morris, Managing Director of the England and Wales Cricket Board, when referring to players' use of social media:

'When [social media is] done poorly it is a complete and utter nightmare for those of us trying to manage and lead teams. It is like giving a machine gun to a monkey.'

Social media in sport

on 27.11.12 Sports | Blogs | Football | Lewis Silkin

The reality is that social media now plays an increasingly fundamental role in a sportsperson's career. It offers them strategic and creative opportunities to further their personal agendas. At the same time, it provides a platform on which players can interact with fans on a level playing field allowing them to keep in touch with authentic opinions outside their sporting vacuum. At its best, social media can develop player exposure, raise public awareness, build brands, and ultimately enhance the sports industry's profitability.

Playing ball with Financial Fair Play?

Written by Iain McDonald, Karish Andrews on 20.10.12 Sports | Blogs | Football | Lewis Silkin

Are clubs taking FFP seriously? What will UEFA do about non-compliance?

In September 2009 UEFA's Executive Committee unanimously approved a new Financial Fair Play (FFP) regime for European football. The principal motivation for these groundbreaking regulations is to prevent European clubs from pressing the self destruct button in what has become a race to the bottom in terms of financial recklessness.

Gamesmanship v sportsmanship – goodbye etiquette, hello victory

Written by Richard Berry on 17.08.12 Athletics | Sports | Blogs | Lewis Silkin

The badminton debacle sparked furious debate on social media sites. Were the players legitimately exploiting the tournament structure in the pursuit of ultimate victory and a gold medal? Or, were they bringing the sport into disrepute and acting contrary to the Olympic spirit?