If there was not a sporting exception contact sports would be illegal. It is clear from case law that the sport must be a ‘properly conducted game/sport’ and played within the rules. If played outside of the rules or an ‘off the ball’ tackle in say rugby or football or was deliberately aiming to injure then the defence may fail (Barnes). This exception allows contact sports to be played without too many restrictions. Sport is good for society as it encourages exercise and social bonding.