Bullying & harassment in sport: How the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 helps protect athletes & employees

In the last 12 months we have seen a publicity glare surrounding bullying and harassment in sport and media,1 ranging from the #MeToo campaign to complaints by individual athletes about bullying (see by illustration the ongoing Jess Varnish litigation2 against British Cycling, and the paralympian snowboarder Cassie Cava’s complaints3 against British Parasnowsport).
Accordingly, this article reviews the provisions of the Protection from Harassment Act 19974 and explores the extent to which the Act provides rights and remedies to those working in Sport who have been victims of such behaviour. Specifically, it looks at:
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The Protection from Harassment Act 1997
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Stated aim
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The statutory prohibition against harassment
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Harassment defined
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Course of conduct
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Excepted courses of conduct (defences)
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Can an employer be vicariously liable for harassment under the 1997 Act?
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Targeted harassment
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Damages for harassment under the 1997 Act
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The Act applied in a sports context
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- Tags: Athlete Welfare | Bullying | Employment Law | Protection from Harassment Act 1997 | United Kingdom (UK) | Vicarious Liability
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About the Author
Nina Goolamali QC
The 2TG Sports Law Team led by Nina Goolamali QC comprises specialist advocates who have extensive experience of acting for clients in high profile or sensitive matters across all major sports including football, rugby (union and league), motorsports (F1, MotoGP, motocross, Formula 3 and karting), cycling, equestrianism, cricket, skiing, gymnastics, martial arts, netball and tennis.