Legal Question in Entertainment Law in Missouri
Attempt to sue non-profit, parent-run sports team
Is there a law preventing a disgruntled parent from attempting to sue a small, non-profit, parent-run (volunteers) sports team simply because we refuse to allow her child to participate next year due to the parent's unacceptable behavior?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Attempt to sue non-profit, parent-run sports team
There are very few "laws" that prohibit someone from filing a lawsuit. That would be against our way of life. However, many proposed lawsuits are doomed to being dismissed, because they fail to state a claim that the court can address.
The type of case you described is most likely an equitable action seeking injuctive relief (Order them to let my daughter play) and possibly not a money damages suit. As an equitable suit, the judge will look at the relevant evidence of the proposed action and the likely harm of forcing participation by the child.
The sports association will probably win, Unless they have put out brochurs, etc. that seem to say the purpose of the league is to provide an opportunity girls to participate, etc. Also if the association gets any public funds or use of public property, that they do not pay rent for, they may not have the option of excluding a child based upon their distate for the child's parent. If these are the facts, the association may be more successful banning the parent rather than the child.
Good Luck