The complete tell-all on the SAM
The Sports Arbitration Moot (SAM) aims to introduce the next generation of arbitration practitioners to the dynamic field of sports arbitration in an immersive competition, designed to equip students with essential skills to thrive in this ever-growing industry.
The Sports Arbitration MOOT for those ready to play The Sports Arbitration MOOT for those ready to play The Sports Arbitration MOOT for those ready to play
Our HISTORY
HOW THE SAM CAME TO BE
Founded in 2021, the Sports Arbitration Moot (SAM) is an international competition dedicated to introducing law students to the world of sports arbitration—an area often absent from traditional legal education curricula.
Since its founding, the SAM has created an accessible platform for aspiring arbitration practitioners to gain practical experience in the dynamic field of sports law.
Our MISSION
WHAT WE AIM FOR
The SAM’s mission is to inspire and empower the next generation of sports arbitration professionals by promoting excellence in legal education and providing access to the world of sports arbitration for students from all backgrounds. We place particular emphasis on encouraging students to develop their oral advocacy skills, with the competition relying predominantly on oral pleadings. The competition seeks to foster international collaboration and a sense of community in the global sports law ecosystem.
Our unique APPROACH
1
FOCUS ON ORAL ADVOCACY
SAM is unique in featuring only oral rounds—no written phase—allowing students to concentrate on developing their advocacy skills through real-world arbitration simulations.
2
THE SAM
CAMP
Participants benefit from an intensive, week-long training program led by experts in the field, covering key topics such as research, merits, jurisdiction, and oral pleading.
3
HYBRID
FORMAT
SAM’s General Rounds are conducted exclusively online, making the competition accessible to teams and universities worldwide. The top 16 teams are then invited to the in-person Elimination Rounds.
4
INCLUSIVITY &
ACCESSIBILITY
The organization supports the participation of law students from all continents, with protocols in place to help remove financial barriers faced by students in developing regions.
5
COMMUNITY &
MENTORSHIP
SAM enjoys the support of renowned academic partners, practitioners, and institutions, providing participants with valuable mentorship and networking opportunities.
HEAR IT FROM THE ARBITRATORS THEMSELVES
Our MILESTONES
THE SAM THROUGH TIME
OCTOBER 2021
Creation of the SAM
APRIL 2022
First-ever in‑person SAM final at FIFA HQ in Zurich won by Stockholm University.
APRIL 2023
First SAM victory for a South Asian team
(Nirma University)
70+
NOVEMBER 2023
Third edition draws a record 70+ teams
MAY 2024
First SAM victory for a European team
(IE University)
NOVEMBER 2024
SAM teams up with IPC in the honour of the Paris Olympics
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MAY 2025
First SAM victory for an Oceanian team
(Bond University)
80+
NOVEMBER 2026
SAM hits 80+ international teams registered for its fifth edition.
MAY 2026
First SAM victory for an American team (University of Miami)
Past WINNERS
EVERY EDITION'S BEST TEAM
SAM 2026
MIAMI UNIVERSITY
USA
The lawyers of tomorrow (even today) will have been through this competition and will be better for it”
MARK HOVELL, PARTNER, MILLS & REEVE
PANEL OF JUDGES OF THE FINAL
Julia Lowis, Lars Hiliger and William McAuliffe
Annual IMPACT REPORTS
INSIGHT INTO OUR EVOLUTION
Find out all key statistics and notable achievements of the SAM over the course of the years
Our VALUES
THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE SAM
-
Teamwork: Emphasis on collaborative efforts and collective achievements.
-
Education: Commitment to practical, high-quality legal training.
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Integrity & Fair Play: Upholding fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all participants.
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Diversity: Welcoming students from varied cultural, legal, and geographic backgrounds.
-
Innovation: Adapting each edition with new cases and interactive formats to
reflect current issues in sports arbitration.
See it for yourself:
Our TEAM
The organisation of the SAM is a true team effort, illustrating our core values in action.
"The quality of the organization is second to none.”
HERVÉ LE LE LAY, PARTNER, MCL ARBITRATION
YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT
What makes our MOOT one of a kind?
The SAM's Numbers
speak for themselves
1
SAM CAMP
A one of a kind crash-course to learn the fundamentals of sports arbitration for the SAM participants
100+
ONLINE HEARINGS
Conducted during the SAM Online General Rounds, rewarding the Best 16 teams.
5
SAM EDITIONS
With 5 editions under or belt The SAM gets better every year
150+
PEOPLE IN PERSON
More than 150 people reunited in person in Madrid during the SAM Elimination Rounds, witnessing the rise of the SAM Winner!
80+
INTERNATIONAL TEAMS
Totalling more than 300 students from 6 different continents per edition
200+
EXPERIENCED ARBITRATORS
Committed to assesing the performance of our talented participants
Many countries have already joined the SAM community,
we are only missing yours!
Don't be a bystander
Be a player.
If you want to support the SAM contact us at promotion@sportsarbitrationmoot.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Follow us on LinkedIn & Instagram
STAY TUNED
We'll keep you updated of all the news, dates and key events through our social platform, plus we'd love to connect with you!
Our PARTNERS
