Sports Administration and the Law
The COGSM Associate of Science in Sports Medicine & Fitness Technology program students had the opportunity to put learning into theory today. During their “Sports Administration and the Law” course, the students delved into the aspects of criminal and civil law.
Using the current John B. Goodman (polo mogul) court case, the students were divided into two groups. One side represented the Prosecution for the criminal charge, and the other side represented the Defendants.
During the civil court case, the teams were switched and they now had to represent the other side, being the Plaintiff and the Defendant. The students learned the elements of both criminal and civil law as they had to present their case before “Judge” Quattrocchi (PSL Dean of Academics) in the faux court room.
The BS SMFT students acted as the jury and were debriefed by Judge Quattrocchi on proper jury involvement before the trial began.
Here are some student testimonials from the experience:
“I would first like to begin by saying that the investigative process for both teams was pretty intense. We knew we were preparing to go to a hearing but, the depth, and type of information needed could only be speculated. I know that our team struggled out of the gate in deciding what we would have charged him with in the Criminal Court and how we would defend him in the Civil Process when we felt as though he was guilty simply from the information that we were able to find on the internet. After we resigned to finding the facts of the matter, we swiftly began to see just how difficult this really wasn’t in terms of emotion. It wasn’t about how we felt, but about what we could prove. This really lent weight to the statement, “Innocent until proven guilty”.
I believe that it is imperative to point out the depth of education we received today. It is often hard to hear or read a thing, and learn it in depth. I felt as though the degree of learning changed as we sat in front of the Dean today and had to apply terms and concepts we learned over this month. I believed that I had an understanding of what happened in court and the information that came from the book, but I was greatly mistaken, and this exercise helped to tie things together for me. I have often wondered why Lawyers charge high fees, and now I understand. Their job requires a ton of energy, preparation, dedication, and guts. It takes a lot to override your personal feelings and search for the right answers with an open mind, and then help people to do the same.
In closing, I would definitely like to thank the Dean for her time, patience, professionalism, and professional ability to help us in this endeavor. I don’t plan on getting in trouble, but if the situation should arise that I need Legal Counsel, I definitely know the type of Lawyer I want in my corner. For now, I will hang up my career in Law and get back to stretches, strength exercises, and Golf. “
Submitted by: Tommey L. Lyons, SMFT Student
“Prior to given this assignment, I speak for myself and my team members, we did not know much when it comes to “Sports Law”. After Mrs. Snyder reviewed and lectured us on law, she gave us a team assignment. The assignment was to research and apply what we had learned regarding sports law, to a real case. This case was the John Goodman Trial. After days and days of individual and team research on the John Goodman Trial, we were faced with a “real-live” battle in court.
e were asked to present both Civil and Criminal Law, taking turns with being the plaintiff and the defendant. We were fortunate enough to have Dean Q as our Judge to give us the best possible first experience in a court room setting, with professional, honorable, constructive criticism and feedback. Along with a supportive volunteer jury. The trials we faced as a whole truly challenged us on an individual basis, and a team effort. It was a wonderful learning experience.
ruly opening up the eyes of all of us and what “real court” can be like. Teaching us the importance of how imperative it is to come extremely prepared, and always expect the unexpected. Law is very detailed and precise, to say the least. One must not enter the room biased, or “expect” they have all needed evidence to win their case. However, one must exude confidence at all times, no matter what. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. “
Submitted by: Nicole Redding, SMFT Student
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