Disclaimer: “This article has been produced by an independent contributor and does not reflect the views and opinions of the SRCMS team or the brand as a whole.”
Whether you’re in professional sport, or work with local children, it’s critical to resolve the disputes the crop up. Whether these are between parents and coaches, or between players, a peaceful resolution is ideal for moving forward in a productive, mindful way that benefits the team as a whole.
However, there are a lot of misconceptions about mediation (especially in the sporting world), that prevents people from engaging in mediation services.
So, in order to address these common myths (and open the doors to positive and productive communication), this article will consider the top 3 misconceptions when it comes to mediation- and how it reflects the reality.
Mediation Is No Different From A Court Hearing
Arguably the biggest one, many sports clubs consider mediation as expensive, drawn-out and public as a court case. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! While mediation is legally binding, it is up to both parties to reach an agreement. The focus with mediation strategies is reaching a mutually beneficial agreement and moving forward in a positive and productive way. In fact, with mediation, you not only save time and money, but you restore balance and structure to your club, which leads to more positive experiences and results moving forward- even in the trickiest of situations. Additionally, no legal representation is required!
Mediation Wastes Time
Mediation is often seen as a waste of time (after all, you could resolve a dispute yourself). However, resolving a dispute yourself can get tricky and messy fast, and could potentially escalate to mitigation. Mediation takes a lot less time than your typical court case and can actually end up saving time. In addition, the teamwork and resolution in the club alone makes it a worthwhile investment of your time.
Mediation Is Not Confidential
Mediation is arguably more confidential than a court case! This is because a court case can be open to the public depending on the case, country, and sensitivity. When it comes to sports, this can be a huge problem for the club or athlete’s image. However, with mediation, there is 100% confidentiality, which makes it a lot more secure.
Unfortunately, many of these myths persist and make it challenging for athletes, managers, and coaches to resolve issues quickly, confidentially, and effectively. However, if you get the correct support, mediation is a relatively seamless process that focuses on a cooperative resolution.
Interested in learning more about the sports mediation process?
The team of legal mediation experts at SRDMS are here to help guide you through the mediation process and reach the best possible outcome for all parties. You can do it 100% online or opt to use a managed service where the SRDMS personnel do everything for you, from start to finish.
Want to know more, or enquire about your sporting dispute? Simply fill out the form on the contact page and they’ll be in touch.
Reference:
https://osullivanmediation.com.au/common-mediation-myths/
https://www.lawinsport.com/topics/item/early-mediation-in-sports-disputes-equals-efficient-outcomes