Sporting Drafts and Restraint

Abstract

The words of the song, "Doe, a Deer" in "The Sound of Music" include the following: "Let's start at the very beginning; It's a very good place to start" I wish to utilise this concept though I will fudge a little. I do not intend to analyse restraint of trade principles right from the very beginning. This would take us back into the 15th Century, or perhaps earlier. I will, however, start with an analysis of the restraint of trade doctrine from the beginning of the presently applicable common law principles. Only by putting sporting drafts in the context of the broad applicable restraint of trade principles can we really see the present day cases in proper perspective.