Amateur Sports League

[PQN]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? multiple

A group of 20 amatuer clubs were in League A. Six of those clubs decide to leave league A and start league B. None of the other 14 clubs are invited to join the new league.

Some of the 14 are claiming that the 6 are violating anti-trust laws. The 6 are saying that there are no anti-trust violations since (1) they are all 501c3 registered non-profit corp (2) they are not stopping the other clubs from maintaining their old league or forming other new leagues.

Which side is correct?

 

[FlyingRon]

Well, more or less I'd agree with both.

If both groups are non-profits, it's not clear what "competitiveness" laws would mean between them.

Second, even if they were businesses, there appears to be nothing done (in your message) on the new league's part that keeps the old league from continuing to do business. In fact, it would appear that this is just the opposite of an trust. You now have competition. This happens in pro-sports from time to time as well. The last I can recall was Tony George splitting off from CART/IndyCar to form his own IRL.

 

[tranquility]

Anti-trust? I am uncertain as to where that argument even arises here.

 

[PQN]

Anti-trust? I am uncertain as to where that argument even arises here.

I was equally confused but I was told that some of the 14 filed in federal court to block the new league or force the league to admit all applicants under 'anti trust' issues.

It didn't make sense to me. My kid plays in the league so we hear all the 'pr' but some of it just doesn't make sense.

 

[PQN]

Well, more or less I'd agree with both.

If both groups are non-profits, it's not clear what "competitiveness" laws would mean between them.

Second, even if they were businesses, there appears to be nothing done (in your message) on the new league's part that keeps the old league from continuing to do business. In fact, it would appear that this is just the opposite of an trust. You now have competition. This happens in pro-sports from time to time as well. The last I can recall was Tony George splitting off from CART/IndyCar to form his own IRL.

That is what I was thinking. Politics+lawsuits+youth sports just do not mix!

 

[tranquility]

If it's in federal court, get a PACER account and look up the filings. They will explain it all.

 

[FlyingRon]

Unless the new league took over control of the fields or something that would prevent the other league from operating, there doesn't seem to be any course of action (anti-trust or otherwise). If they've filed a lawsuit on that basis, it would appear to be friviolous.

 

[PQN]

Unless the new league took over control of the fields or something that would prevent the other league from operating, there doesn't seem to be any course of action (anti-trust or otherwise). If they've filed a lawsuit on that basis, it would appear to be friviolous.

These are elite level teams and based in several different states. Neither league owns or controls access to the facilities (there are some teams that control their own facility but that is a very small percent of all available facilities--that includes some teams from each group).

Tranquility -- I got a PACER account and there is nothing there. I hope it is just adults venting and none of this impacts the kids.

Thanks!