Webinar Wrap-up – Club Employment Contracts, Leases, Licences, Complaints & Disciplinary Procedures

Gymnastics Ireland wrapped up this evening with the Club Employment Contracts, Leases, Licences, Complaints & Disciplinary Procedures webinar with Leman Solicitors; Morgan Crowe, Bláthnaid Evans & Karl O’Brien. This was the fifth of our Club Support Series sponsored by our insurers, Marsh.

This online event delivered insightful information on employment contracts, leases and licences, along with how to properly address complaints and disciplinary issues.

“Basic employment governance starts with the employment relationship and how that is documented. Remember, an employment contract should always be put in place as early as possible and must include the sometimes obvious, but necessary terms. The employment contract will be the focal point through out any employee’s relationship so make sure you rely on it, comply with its terms and amend the contract where necessary. It is also important not to use the scapegoat of an “independent contractor” to avoid the employee/employer relationship – the repercussions of misjudging this relationship can result in Revenue fines, among other things.” said Bláthnaid Evans is Head of Employment & Corporate Immigration at Leman Solicitors.

Bláthnaid has over ten years’ experience advising Irish and international clients on all aspects of employment law. Having trained and qualified in one of the leading employee and trade union firms in the country, she then went on to spend four years working for one of the leading top five law firms in Ireland, where she predominantly advised employers.

Morgan Crowe is an associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, commented: "We all experience disputes and conflict at one time or another. It is normal to do so whether with work colleagues, teammates, coaches or committees. It is how we deal with conflict that matters. Sometimes our reaction is to fight and try to prove we are right, rather than following processes and rules. Disputes can soon escalate, and positions become entrenched. Knowing and understanding your Complaints and Disciplinary Rules is now accepted as the best means for resolving sport disputes. It is the best way to avoid costly and protracted legal disputes."

Morgan advises on all aspects of commercial litigation and dispute resolution with an emphasis on sports disputes and governance. Morgan completed his training with a top five Irish commercial firm, gaining experience in a broad range of commercial issues. He also worked on secondment as legal advisor to an Oireachtas Committee of Inquiry into the Banking Crisis.

Karl O’Brien, real estate solicitor specialising in commercial property work, mentioned: “If you are using part or all of a building to run your Club, be it an industrial unit or community hall, you should have a written lease or licence agreement in place. It is important that you understand the difference between a Lease and a Licence and what your rights and your obligations are under these agreements particularly in relation to planning and insurance. If in doubt about your obligations, always check the terms of your lease or licence and consult with your solicitor.” He has experience in advising large corporations in relation to the acquisition, financing, management, letting and disposal of commercial property. His specialist expertise includes asset management, landlord and tenant transactions, commercial property acquisitions and disposals, property finance and landlord and tenant disputes.

Make sure you register for next week’s webinar "Safeguarding and Member Welfare with Dermot Howlin, Gymnastics Ireland Policy, Welfare & Compliance Manager" on Thursday 1st April from 6.30 to 7.30pm. Stay tune for further information on this webinar.

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