ISRAEL Law and Practice Contributed by: Tal Segev, Segev Tal Sports Law
ciations. These may include requirements relating to ticket allocations for minors and women, seating arrangements, pricing (for example, free entry is gen - erally prohibited unless prior approval is obtained from the FA Secretariat), and security measures. Security arrangements must also be approved by the local police, meaning that sporting events are subject to oversight by external authorities. In summary, although clubs hold proprietary rights over their events, they remain subject to a compre - hensive regulatory framework and security require - ments that govern the organisation and commerciali - sation of sporting events. 3.2 Duty of Care and Liability In Israeli law, the concept of a duty of care is a funda - mental principle, as set out in the Tort Ordinance (New Version). In practice, this means that sports organisers are required to take extensive measures to ensure the safety of spectators both inside and around sporting venues. From a security perspective, sporting events are sub - ject to prior approval by the police, including determi - nations regarding the number of stewards, the deploy - ment of police personnel and the extent of physical barriers. These measures are designed to enhance spectator safety both inside and outside the stadi - um. At high-profile events, entry points may also be equipped with metal detectors and pyrotechnic detec - tion systems, in accordance with police requirements. In addition, the police may impose alcohol screen - ing at entrances in order to prevent intoxicated indi - viduals from entering the venue. The police also retain the authority to cancel a sporting event, even shortly before it is due to commence, if they consider the overall circumstances to pose a risk to the safety of athletes and spectators alike. Where necessary, away fans may be required to remain inside the stadium after the match until the police have cleared the surrounding area, thereby ensuring their safe departure. Furthermore, in accordance with legal requirements, federations, associations, venue owners and event
organisers must provide adequate facilities for spec - tators with disabilities, ensuring that they are able to enjoy the event on equal terms. This includes appro - priate seating arrangements, as well as provisions for accompanying persons and, where relevant, assis - tance dogs. Failure to meet these obligations may constitute a breach of the duty of care. As a general rule, athletes are not liable to spectators, except in cases involving direct physical assault. Sports clubs and federations in Israel may adopt one of several legal forms: a non-governmental organisa - tion (registered with the Registrar of NGOs), a private company, or a community interest company (both registered with the Registrar of Companies). A variety of such structures can be found even within the top leagues. The principal differences between these forms relate to taxation, the ability to generate profit, and eligibil - ity to receive donations with associated tax benefits. The choice of legal structure typically depends on the preferences and objectives of the club’s management. Sports associations are generally established as NGOs, but they operate under a distinct regulatory framework. They are constituted pursuant to the Sports Law (1998–5748), which grants them authority to adopt internal rules, regulations and judicial bodies. 4.2 Corporate Governance Codes In Israel, NGOs are governed by the Non-Profit Organ - isations Law, 1980–5740, while companies (including community companies) are regulated by the Compa - nies Law, 1999–5759. These statutory frameworks apply to all NGOs and companies, and are intended to regulate and protect shareholders, creditors, debt - ors, and establish proper corporate governance pro - cedures. 4. Corporate Structures 4.1 Legal Forms of Sporting Bodies The eligibility criteria for company directors are set out in Article 226 of the Companies Law. For exam - ple, minors (under the age of 18), individuals declared
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