Sports Disputes Tribunal chair retires

The chair of the Sports Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand, Rt Hon Ted Thomas, has retired.

John Wells, chairman of Sport and Recreation New Zealand said Mr Thomas had made an outstanding contribution to the Tribunal.

"He helped set up procedures that have been effective in making the Tribunal easily accessible to sportspeople and national sporting organisations.

"He explained complex and specialist legal issues in simple, practical and understandable terms for the parties involved and fostered an informal and non-threatening atmosphere throughout proceedings," Mr Wells said.

Ted Thomas was appointed chair of the Sports Disputes Tribunal in 2003 and will officially retire from the role on April 1.

His replacement is recently retired High Court Judge, Hon Barry Paterson.

"Barry Paterson brings an impressive wealth of knowledge to this role," Mr Wells said.

"As well as his legal expertise, he has extensive business experience having served as a board member for a number of organisations, including New Zealand Cricket, of which he is also a former chairman and president."

The Sports Disputes Tribunal was set up by Sparc as an affordable independent forum for resolving sports disputes withouth lengthy and costly legal battles.

It has considered 17 disputes so far.