The ADEA and Sports Law

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide insight into age issues in sports law and its relationship to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), a federal law. There are a few published decisions involving the ADEA in the sports setting. However, there are some cases involving claims by coaches, support staff and administrators who allege they were terminated unlawfully based upon age discrimination. Part I presents a comprehensive overview of the ADEA including defenses to a claim of age discrimination. Part II offers relevant cases with regard to the ADEA and its evolution including the few cases that are specifically applicable in the sport environment. Part III addresses considerations for the future of the relationship between the ADEA and the sports industry.

Keywords: ADEA, Sports Law, Age Discrimination, Age, Sport