Course
Instructor
Credits
Term
Meetings
Legal Issues in Sport & Recreation Management,
SRM 303
Elizabeth Schneider
3
Spring, 2013
Online
Instructor’s Contact Information
Office Phone
Emergency Contact
Office Location
Keystone College: 570-945-8243
Office: 570-586-5598
In the event of an emergency, contact Becky Berardis at: 570-945-8433
Harris Hall, Office 204A
Elizabeth.schneider@keystone.edu
Available online and by phone Monday 8-9 am; Wednesday 1-2 pm; and
Office Hours
Thursday 7-8 pm
Email Address
Syllabus Changes
Instructors reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus as needed,
and you are responsible for keeping up with those changes. Please log on
regularly to Moodle to get the most current information.
Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime during the semester to
discuss the course. Regular and timely feedback, contributions and
Other Information exchange are important to making this course as successful as it can be
for everyone – including the instructor!
Course Description & Information
Pre-requisites, Corequisites, & other
restrictions
Course Description
Required Readings
Buying Textbooks
Online Learning Expectations: To be successful academically, online
students must be able to navigate & search the internet, use email, attach and
upload documents, download & save files, and have access to and use
Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint.
This course provides students with background in the legal system,
constitutional law, contract law, tort law, risk management, product liability,
and administrative and statutory law as it pertains to sport, recreation, and
fitness. Explores pertinent topics such as coed competitions, anti-trust laws,
equal opportunities, and Title IX.
Cotton, D. J. & Wolohan, J. T. (2010). Law for recreation and sport
managers (5th ed.). Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing.
Please note that the Keystone College Bookstore has the most complete and
up-to-date information about your course textbooks. Be sure you are
purchasing the correct edition and receive all the materials you need.
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association 6th
Ed., American Psychological Association (APA) (2009)
Recommended Readings
Students are encouraged to read/view relevant articles, journals,
web/TV programs, etc. and share these resources with the class.
Special
Software/Hardware
Browser/Plugin/Viewer
Info
Other Required
Materials
No special software/hardware is required for this course. However,
you may be asked to review and explore web-based management
tools using your web browser
For standard Browser/Plugin/Viewer visit this page:
http://web.keystone.edu/library/syllabus/browser.htm
No other additional materials are required.
Course Goals, Objectives/Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
demonstrate an understanding of the U.S. Court system, legal process and legal
principles as they apply to sport & recreation.
compare and contrast the four (4) basic business structures and identify the
advantages and disadvantages of each.
recognize and explain the elements of negligence, defenses to negligent conduct .
explain the principles of good risk management practices in sport & recreation
demonstrate an understanding of fundamental principles of U.S. Constitutional
law and how it applies to sport & recreation
Assessment
Method
Exams-midterm
& final
Weekly
Discussions
Weekly Chapter
Assignments
1
X
Objective Number
2
3
4
X
X
X
5
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Grading
I am committed to giving students timely and regular feedback on the
grade they are “earning” in the course. Grades will be posted/updated
with each assignment and available for review in Moodle.
Your final grade will be based on a weighted average of grade
components listed below.
Grading (credit)
Criteria
Class participation (discussion board postings-30 pts x 13)=390 pts
Weekly assignments (20 pts x 13)=
260 pts
Tests/exams
Midterm
260 pts
Final
390 pts
Total possible points for the class
1300 pts
Letter grade GPA
A
4.0
A3.67
B+
3.33
B
3.0
Percentage of total
94-100
90-93
88-89
84-87
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
2.67
2.33
2.0
1.67
1.33
1.0
0.0
80-83
77-79
74-76
71-73
66-70
61-65
0-60
A large percentage of your grade will be based on class participation in
the form of weekly discussion board postings and assignments. Students
are expected to keep up with the weekly reading and to have read the
assigned material prior to completing any assignments or discussions.
Assignments
Discussion Board
Criteria
Make-Up & Late
Work
Extra Credit
Class Preparation &
Participation
All assignments are to be done individually unless otherwise directed by
the instructor. Assignments will vary in content from additional online
discussion board postings or written questions, to research assignments to
a case study reflection. Part of your grade will be determined on the
quantity and quality of your participation. Some of the most important
criteria for the value of what you share with the class will be (1) how
relevant it is to the topic under discussion and (2) the practical value of
the information to other students and/or the instructor.
At least one class discussion board question will be posted each week
throughout the semester. You are required to answer my question with
your own well developed response. You are required to then ask
substantive and thoughtful questions of at least two of your classmates or
answer questions that have been asked of you. Your initial posting must
include your last name in the subject line and be posted no later than
midnight, Wednesday of the week assigned. The first question you ask of
your fellow students must be posted no later than midnight, Friday of the
week assigned. Your second question to another student or your answers
to the questions asked of you must be posted no later than midnight,
Sunday of the week assigned.
You must advise me in advance if you are unable to submit your
homework or respond to the discussion board on time due to illness,
emergency, etc. Depending upon the circumstances time may be allotted.
Extra credit may be provided throughout the semester for student
participation in relevant campus activities and/or outstanding
contributions to the course. Please see the instructor to discuss any extra
credit opportunities.
Deadlines are set for class participation to enable everyone to have an
equal voice. You will need to log in to the discussion board and come to
class at least 3 times a week. Make sure you set aside time and make a
schedule that works for you to be in class. Most students log in everyday
for 5 to 15 minutes just to see what is going on.
Course Policies
As a general rule, make-up exams will not be offered. In the case of extenuating
Make-Up circumstances such as a serious medical, health or family issue, I will schedule an
Exams alternate exam, oral exam or other assignment for a student that can document
their reasons for missing an exam.
Student
Conduct/
Netiquette
For Netiquette information, visit this webpage:
http://web.keystone.edu/library/syllabus/netiquette.htm
Special
Procedures
Taking Exams and Proctoring:
http://www.keystone.edu/academics/onlinelearning/studentresources/takingtest.dot
To access the Keystone College MoodleRooms platform:
http://moodlerooms.keystone.edu
Moodle
Support
For MoodleRooms support
Email: keystonehelpdesk@perceptis.com
Phone: 1-855-848-5021
Chat: https://chat.perceptis.com/c/keystone/
For a New Student Orientation to Moodle, visit:
http://www.keystone.edu/educationaltechnology/student-training.dot
For tutorials on using specific aspects of Moodle, visit
http://www.moodlerooms.com/resources/tutorials/participate/
Technical
Support
Plagiarism &
Academic
Integrity
You can get technical support or assistance by visiting the Technology Support page here:
http://www.keystone.edu/technologysupport/index.dot or by contacting the IT Helpdesk
at (570) 945-8778 or helpdesk@keystone.edu
Academic misconduct and dishonesty includes any activity that compromises the
academic integrity of the College or subverts the educational process. For information on
dishonest acts including plagiarism, cheating, and fraud, consult your Student Information
Guide or click on the link below. If you have any questions, talk with your instructor.
http://web.keystone.edu/Library/syllabus/integrity.htm
Copyright
Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making
of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials, including music and
software. Copying, displaying, reproducing, or distributing copyrighted works may
infringe the copyright owner’s rights and such infringement is subject to appropriate
disciplinary action as well as criminal penalties provided by federal law. Usage of such
material is only appropriate when that usage constitutes “fair use” under the Copyright
Act. As a Keystone College student, you are required to follow the College’s copyright
policy. For more information about the fair use exemption, see the Miller Library’s
copyright page: http://web.keystone.edu/library/copyright.html
Email Use
Keystone College states that all official student email correspondence be sent only to a
student’s Keystone email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students
official only if it originates from a Keystone account. This allows the College to maintain
a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individuals and the security of transmitted
information. Keystone College furnishes each student with a free email account that is to
be used in all communication with College personnel.
Withdrawal
from Class
The College has set deadlines for withdrawing from courses. These dates and times are
published in the course catalog and on the Academic Calendar. It is the student's
responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any class. You must do the proper
paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you choose
not to attend once you are enrolled. If you are considering withdrawing from a class, talk
with your Advisor and consult the College Catalog.
Academic
Grievance
Procedures
Procedures for student grievances are found in the College Catalog. Please consult the
procedures before taking action.
Please note: The first step in attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades,
evaluations, or other fulfillments of academic responsibility, is to make a serious effort to
resolve the matter with the instructor. The College Catalog outlines any subsequent steps.
According to the College Catalog, an Incomplete (“I”) will only be awarded in the case of
exceptional circumstances. Mere inability to submit work on time, or missing the final
exam, is not valid reasons for an Incomplete.
Incomplete
Grades
Students must make arrangements with the instructor prior to the final exam it they wish
to receive a grade of incomplete. (Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.) The
deadline for the completion of the coursework is four weeks into the next semester. If the
course work is not completed within the specified time frame, the incomplete grade will
become an “F.”
Keystone College does not discriminate in any of its programs on the basis of disability.
ADA
Statement
KC Connect
Tutoring
Info
Advising &
Other
Student
Support Info
Bookstore
Info
While there is not a deadline for the disclosure of a disability by a student, in order to
facilitate the documentation and accommodation processes, students are encouraged to
voluntarily and confidentially disclose and disability requiring an accommodation prior to
the beginning of class. This disclosure should be made to Owen Conaghan,
owen.conaghan@keystone.edu College Counselor & Coordinator of Disability Services.
Students who disclose a disability, and who are seeking an accommodation, ultimately
will be expected to provide documentation verifying the disability.
For information about classes & advisers, to check midterm and final grades or to register
for classes, logon to KC Connect.
The College does offer tutoring assistance for many courses. For more information or to
schedule an appointment, consult the Tutoring webpage here:
http://www.keystone.edu/studentlife/studentsuccess/tutoring.dot
For information about academic advising, visit the Student Success Center’s Academic
Advising page here:
http://www.keystone.edu/studentlife/studentsuccess/academicadvising.dot
For a list of Student Support Services, visit the Student Success Center webpage here:
http://www.keystone.edu/studentlife/studentsuccess/
Visit the Bookstore at this link:
http://www.bkstr.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10117&la
ngId=-1&catalogId=10001
Schedule of Assignments
Module # and
date
Modular Learning Objectives
Assignments
Orientation
Learn to use the online classroom
Introductions on the Discussion
Meet the other members of the
class.
Board
Blackboard scavenger hunt
Assignment confirming understanding of syllabus and
providing students’ contact info
Module 1:
Introduction
to Sport Law
Chapter 1 Introduction to Sport
Law
1.
Explain the U.S. Legal
System
2.
Discuss the basic elements of
legal research and how to
prepare a case brief.
Weeks 1-3
Week 1- Read Chapter 1.10 in text book and posted
lecture outline notes. Watch Youtube video on the US
Legal System at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH0FviNJvqc and
Youtube video on the US Court system:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dnp_01e4Qw&featu
re=related . Weekly assignment
Week 2- Read Chapter 1.20 in text book and posted
lecture outline notes. Also, read article on Brief cases
and analyze case problems at
3. List the steps in bringing a
http://academic.cengage.com/resource_uploads/downloa
civil law suit.
ds/0324595743_156000.pdf . Written Assignment - write
4. Recognize the various forms of a case brief/summary of posted case & submit to
instructor.
business ownership and
provide an example of when
each might be best and explain
why.
Week 3-Read Chapter 1.30 in text book and posted
lecture outline notes. Watch Youtube video on forms of
business ownership:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLf6cy3MUA&feature=related . Research online to find
at least one business that provides an example of each of
the major forms of business ownership and post in the
designated journal (do not duplicate any company
already posted by another student)
Discussion Board Questions
Week 1: Topic- US legal system,
Week 2: Topic- Legal process as Plaintiff and/or
Defendant
Week 3:Topic-Business structures
Module 2:
Negligence
Law, part 1
Weeks 4-6
Chapter 2 Negligence Law, part 1
1. Explain what negligence is
2. Identify the four (4) elements of
negligence.
3. Explain the common defenses to
negligence and immunity
Week 4: Read Chapter 2.11 in textbook and posted
lecture outline notes. Watch Youtube video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9-ZIWMXUI&feature=related and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6ynTbY944Q&featu
re=related ; Read Standard Jury Instructions in
Negligence case from Arizona:
http://www.azbar.org/media/58811/negligence.pdf .
Weekly assignment
Week 5: Read Chapter 2.12 in textbook and posted
lecture outline notes. Watch Youtube video (Vicarious
Liability song) at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wf9CJ36Ono&featu
re=related . Read article about potential vicarious
liability for actions of sports referees at
http://athleticbusiness.com/articles/article.aspx?articleid=
3594&zoneid=30 . Weekly assignment
Week 6: Read Chapters 2.21 and 2.22 in textbook and
posted lecture outline notes. Read article about
governmental immunity (N. Carolina) at
http://www.knoxlawcenter.com/CM/Articles/Negligent.a
sp and Defenses to Negligence at
http://torts.uslegal.com/negligence/defenses-tonegligence/ . Written Assignment- read posted case(s)
and provide case summary/briefs identifying the
principles of negligence and defenses to negligent
conduct and submit to instructor.
Discussion Board Questions
Week 4: Topic – What is Negligence v. crime
Week 5: Topic – Parties to a Negligence action
Week 6: Topic – Common Defenses/Immunity to
Negligence
Review
Midterm
Exam
Midterm Exam
Week 7
Module 3:
Negligence
Law Part 2
Chapter 2 Negligence Law, part 2
Week 8: Read Chapters 2.23 and 2.24 in textbook and
posted lecture outline notes. Review Ski Resort Waiver
at http://perfectnorth.com/pdfs/1112passwaiver.pdf .
Complete weekly assignment.
1. Explain what a waiver and
Week 9: Read Chapters 2.31 and 2.33 in textbook and
posted lecture outline notes. Complete weekly
Weeks 8-11
release are in a sports context
2. Identify various types of
premises liability that may exist in
sports facilities
3. Explain what products liability is
& who may be liable if someone is
injured using sports equipment
assignment. Review summary of Connecticut case Karen
DiPietro v. Farmington Sports Arena, LLC, at
http://www.hl-law.com/news_view.php?id=49 .
Week 10: Read Chapters 2.34 and 2.35 in textbook and
posted lecture outline notes. Written Assignment - write
a case brief/summary of posted case & submit to
instructor.
Week 11: Read Chapter 2.36 in textbook and posted
lecture outline notes. Complete weekly assignment.
Read Hansen-Stamp,C. (1998). Recreational products:
Legal liability and risk management issues for
manufacturers and others in the chain of distribution - A
primer.
http://www.hansenstampattorney.com/bbdra698.pdf (this
is an older article but provides very good information)
Discussion Board Questions
Week 8: Topic—Waivers and Releases
Week 9: Topic—Premises liability and emergency care
Week 10: Topic—Supervision and transportation
Week 11: Topic—Products Liability
Module 4:
Risk
Management
Week 12
Module 5:
Principles of
US
Constitution
Weeks 13 &
14
Week 12: Read Chapter 4.11 in textbook and posted
lecture notes. Complete weekly assignment.
Chapter 4: Risk Management
1.Explain the principles of good
risk management practices in sport
& recreation
Chapters 6 & 7: Fundamental
Principles of the U.S Constitution
1.Demonstrate an understanding of
fundamental principles of U.S.
Constitutional law and how it
applies to sport & recreation
Discussion Board Questions:
Week 12: Topic—Risk Management
Week 13: Read Chapters 6.11 and 6.12 in textbook and
posted lecture notes. Complete weekly assignment. Read
article about judicial review located at
http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/judic
ialrev.htm . Read article about NJ’s authorizing sports
betting located at
http://casinoconnectionac.com/issue/vol-9-no-9-
september-2012/article/sports-betting-showdown1 .
Written Assignment - write a case brief/summary of
posted case & submit to instructor.
Week 14: Read Chapters 7.11, 7.12 and 7.14 in textbook
and posted lecture notes. Read article about sexual
harassment in athletic settings at
http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Sexual_
Harassment/ .
Discussion Board Topics
Week 13: Topic—Judicial Review
Week 14: Topic—Sexual Harassment
Week 15:
Final Exam
Review for Final Exam
Discussion Board Grading Rubric for weekly discussions: (30 Points possible)
1. Post Quality reference in response to instructor’s question
____/3 Stays on task to discussion topic
____/3 Adds to discussion
____/2 Proper netiquette, grammar & spelling was used
____/2 Timing of Post by Wednesday at midnight
_____/10
2.
Post Quality of second post (response to another student’s post)
____/3 Stays on task to discussion topic
____/3 Adds to discussion
____/2 Proper netiquette, grammar & spelling was used
____/2 Timing of Post by Friday at midnight
_____/10
3.
Post Quality of third post (response to another student’s post or to question posed
to student)
____/3 Stays on task to discussion topic
____/3 Adds to discussion
____/2 Proper netiquette, grammar & spelling was used
____/2 Timing of Post by Sunday at midnight
_____/10
TOTAL_____/30