Basketball WA will have a zero tolerance approach regarding unsportsmanlike behaviour from players, coaches and spectators for the remainder of the finals series. This is a stern reminder that all patrons into our basketball stadium are not only representing their team and club, but also the basketball community. Any unsportsmanlike conduct will be dealt with swiftly:

Coaches and Players

The following will be assessed as unsportsmanlike conduct:

• Openly disputes or argues about any decision by a match or scoring official.
• Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
• Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an Official's decision, in a manner that openly embarrasses the Official and/or challenges their judgment. This includes approaching with the intent of inciting the officials and opposition match personnel.

At under 12s and 14s coaches are only permitted to ask referees questions in time outs or time in between quarters.  Warnings will not be given at these levels for breaches of the above, technical fouls will be issued immediately be the referees.  BWA staff members will be present to monitor coaches and players behaviours especially at the 12s and 14s level and intervene with junior referees where needed if a coach or player is acting in an unsportsmanlike manner.

Spectators

Officials will stop the game when the parents/spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behaviour interfere with other spectators or participants of the game. The officials will identify violators to the stadium staff for the purpose of removing parents/spectators from the spectators viewing and game area. Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced. This inappropriate and disruptive behaviour shall include:

• Using obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
• Taunting players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threatening physical violence, or physical violence.
• Throwing any object on court or physically interfering with on court proceedings.

Any violators will be escorted from the facility and not allowed to return until the next day. Players or coaching staff under 18 will be escorted from the playing area into the reception area if parent or guardian not present.

Officials

Officials must apply these guidelines in a realistic manner and must be careful not to get overly technical in their enforcement. This policy is designed to eliminate direct confrontations with Officials while still allowing players and coaches an avenue to communicate in a calm and reasonable fashion.

Officials are required to conduct themselves in a professional, sportsmanlike, and non-vindictive manner at all times. The actions of an Official must be above reproach. Actions such as "baiting" or inciting players or coaches are strictly prohibited. 

Basketball WA urges all players, coaches and spectators to participate competitively and in high spirit, but to remember that the nature of finals basketball is not an excuse to throw away the respect that the game and it's participants deserve.