The Law of Sport

Student Feedback — Sports Law

What students said, in their own words

Themes and verbatim comments drawn from an end-of-term course evaluation survey completed in Term 1, 2026 — optional and anonymous, completed by enrolled students.

4.8 / 5
Encouraging participation
4.7 / 5
Knowledge of subject area
4.6 / 5
Access to sufficient learning materials
4.6 / 5
Available for consultation and individual help
4.5 / 5
Overall effectiveness in facilitating learning
4.4 / 5
Would recommend other students take a unit taught by the lecturer

All scores are average student ratings, out of 5

Comments below are reproduced as submitted by students, with only minor identifying details removed to preserve anonymity. They are grouped into seven recurring themes identified across the survey responses.

1

Practical, Real-World Pedagogy

Law students consistently cite the gap between doctrinal study and legal practice as their biggest frustration. This unit bridges that gap by grounding every topic in the contracts, clauses, and commercial realities that students will encounter from day one in practice.

The first subject that enabled us to practically implement the theory we have learned and gave us an insight as to what it would be like to work as a lawyer

Mike went through real-world sporting/commercial contracts in the tutorial material… I wish my Contract Law unit went into this much depth to consolidate learning

I would recommend this subject to any student who wants to find out how to apply legal concepts and critical thinking in a practical real-life way

The focus being on Tutorials and Presentation Slides rather than straight textbook reading shows Michael has focused on the actual nature of Sports Law, being it is based in contract, rather than just historical events

This was a very interesting and engaging unit. The structure and practical approach were excellent.

This subject was very interesting and made the students see another aspect of sports, instead of just the game and the players. The lecturer provided real-life examples and showed that he had great experience in the area, too.

2

Practitioner-Led Teaching

Students recognise the difference between learning from a textbook and learning from someone who negotiates these agreements for a living. Having an active practitioner at a global sports and entertainment company deliver the unit gives students access to current industry knowledge that no casebook can replicate.

To have… the ability to engage with a lecturer of Michael's credentials and to learn the intricacies of Sports Law is truly a unique opportunity

The opportunity to ask questions of a man with unequalled qualifications in a field that is going to be significant in legal precedent over the next decade

Michael as a practicing lawyer working for one of the biggest sporting/entertainment companies in the world brought invaluable knowledge to the class

It was clear that Michael had an extensive knowledge on the subject and he knew how to translate that in a way that was easy to understand and follow

It was great to learn from someone who is currently working in the sports law sector

His insights into the ACTUAL legal world revolving around commercial sport, not only domestically, but on the international arena were fascinating to hear first-hand.

3

Teaching Style & Engagement

Subject matter expertise only matters if students can access it. Feedback consistently highlights that complex commercial concepts are made clear and approachable, with students describing the teaching as among the best they have experienced in their law degree.

Great teaching style and ability to explain and teach concepts in an engaging and easy to understand way. This unit was probably one of the best teaching experiences I have had at law school.

Tutorials were both wide-ranging and focused, and made the subject come ALIVE

The lecturer was engaging. The teaching style was very clear, structured and accessible. Was taught very specifically and intentionally.

He is patient and responsive. He is helpful. He makes his subject come alive with real world examples all the time.

Fantastic teacher — made complicated concepts clear and understandable.

Made lectures interesting, he had edited his transcript and removed all the ‘um’ and ‘uh’ from the presentation so that it flowed without distraction

4

Effort & Quality of Resources

The unit is delivered through a purpose-built suite of digital resources — bite-sized video lectures, full lecture transcripts, annotated slide decks, and scaffolded tutorial packs — designed specifically for online and external delivery rather than repurposed from an on-campus offering.

Michael went above and beyond in the resources and information he provided to his students

He seemed to put a lot of time and effort into the materials he produced for the course — they were really well done

The information provided covering each topic has been professionally prepared and delivered in a very user friendly manner

I really enjoyed the layout of the eLearning page and lecture slides. I haven't come across that formatting before and it was very easy to navigate and was visually pleasing.

Lectures had lots of information, with interesting cases and scenarios. Content flowed and always linked together. Tutorial resources were very thorough.

I found the materials provided, lecture slides and lecture transcripts and recordings to be of great assistance. The lectures were done in small 5-7 minute increments, which I personally found of great assistance and made it easier to listen to.

5

Supportive & Inclusive Learning Environment

External students can easily disengage when they feel like a name on a screen. Evaluation data shows this unit actively counters that, scoring 4.8 out of 5 on encouraging participation.

Michaels tutorials were always conducted in a respectful manner towards all participants, conversation was always encouraged and well supported by him

Was respectful of students' different abilities and also encouraging

I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations we had during tutorials always feeling supported by Michael.

He was willing to address any concerns from students, whether through emails or directly in person at tutorials, and always did so in a timely fashion.

Always there to answer questions, and went above and beyond to give our assessment results in a timely manner

It was great to see many people participating in them

6

Feedback & Student Support

Meaningful assessment feedback is one of the most resource-intensive aspects of legal education — and one of the most commonly cited student complaints across the sector. Students in this unit identified the quality of feedback as a standout differentiator from their other law subjects.

The first law subject where I have received feedback that was sufficiently detailed, constructive and genuinely useful for improving future work. Overall, the best taught Law subject I have been enrolled in.

Good feedback on students who needed help, always there to answer questions, and went above and beyond to give our assessment results in a timely manner

The amount of content certainly covered all basis and the teaching staff were very approachable. The assessment feedback was extensive which really helped understand not just the grade but my application of learning to the assessment.

7

Student Satisfaction & Recommendation

The strongest endorsement a unit can receive is students telling other students to take it. With an overall satisfaction score of 4.2 out of 5 and a recommendation score of 4.4 out of 5, this unit resonated with students across experience levels and sporting interests.

This was probably my favourite law unit I have done… should definitely be offered again in the future

He builds your confidence for the exam. I think Michael is probably the best UC I have come across so far

I know NOTHING about sport, or about Contracts (as yet), and yet… this subject inspired me

To come out of an exam feeling like I have achieved something is a testament to Michael and the learning team

Michael's presentation of the examinable material was excellent and set me up with a good template for the final exam… It was an absolute pleasure to be his student.

Michael has been exemplary in the way he has conducted himself as our Lecturer/Unit Co-Ordinator… I personally wish Michael all the best and hope to see this unit as a yearly elective.

Considering Sports Law for your program?

Happy to walk through the full evaluation report, or answer any questions about how the course would run at your institution.

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