At the moment, this method of alternative dispute resolution is seldom used in pro sports. But given the unique nature of sports disputes along with a mediator’s success in ending the 2012-13 National Hockey League labor strike, it should be utilized much more often, instead of management and athletes relying on the commonly used resolution methods of arbitration, litigation and protracted negotiations. Citing examples and experts, the paper argues that it would improve player-management relationships, player morale and public opinion.
The conference, which runs from March 14-16 in New York City, is the leading venue for communication researchers from varied theoretical and methodological approaches to identify, understand, and critique the communicative significance of sport on an annual basis. All submissions were evaluated through a blind peer review process.
The paper will be published in the Harvard Journal of Sports & Entertainment Law.