Code's of Conduct
CODES OF CONDUCT
Basketball is intended to be a recreational activity for enjoyment and health.
These code of conduct has been developed by Basketball Victoria to give
participants some guide to the expectations it has on those participants. It is
intended to assist everyone to obtain the maximum benefit and enjoyment
from their involvement in basketball. As a result, the quality of participation
will be improved so people are more likely to start and continue their
involvement in basketball. Enjoy!!
ADMINISTRATORS CODE OF CONDUCT
1. Involve others in planning, leadership, evaluation and decision
making related to basketball.
You have been appointed or elected to lead the administration of
basketball. However, many other people have good ideas which can
benefit the sport. Listen to their ideas. If change or review is
contemplated, consult as widely as is practical. The more people who
contribute, the better the decision making process.
2. Give all people equal opportunities to participate.
While the ability and time available to contribute varies from person to
person, always make sure that everyone involved in the sport is made to
feel welcome to participate. Basketball could not function without the
very large number of volunteers involved. If all people are encouraged
to participate, it makes the job easier for everyone else. Involve them in
planning and decision making.
3. Create pathways for people to participate and develop through the
sport not just as players but as coaches, referees and
administrators.
Structure your organisation so that people have an opportunity to
participate in basketball in as wide a variety of roles as possible. Make
them feel that they can progress through the organisation for as far as
their abilities allow. Don’t make judgements of people and exclude
them from particular roles. If they aspire to move to a higher level of
officiating or administration, give them the opportunity and support that
their enthusiasm demands.
4. Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training
schedules are modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of
players.
Not every player of basketball can play at an elite level. Young people or
people with handicaps have special needs. Recognise the needs of
players at various levels and provide facilities and an environment which
will allow them to participate. Encourage participants to develop
realistic expectations of their abilities.
5. Provide quality supervision, instruction and a safe environment for
all players.
Many people playing basketball require some measure of protection.
Children are vulnerable to influence by adults who may not be the
perfect role models. They can also be the subject of abuse in various
forms by adults and by their peers. Structure the game to take into
account the special needs and vulnerability of participants. Involve
parents and other responsible adults in the supervision of the sport.
Provide adequate training and facilities to allow participants to enjoy
their basketball and to benefit physically and mentally from it.
6. Remember that basketball is for fun.
Remember that basketballers play for fun and enjoyment and that
winning is only part of their motivation. Always make sure that
participants are made to feel welcome whenever they attend for training
or a match.
Never ridicule players for making mistakes or losing a competition. See
errors or losses as an opportunity to learn in a constructive way.
Comment in a way that is positive and designed to create interest,
involvement and development.
7. Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill
development, and help improve the standards of coaching and
officiating.
Everyone involved in basketball is entitled to expect that the standard of
officials and coaches is high. You should ensure that you have in place a
program for ensuring that your officials and coaches are properly trained
and maintain their skills and knowledge of the game. You should
promote a culture among them of appropriate behaviour so that they can
act as good role models with the participants with whom they come into
contact.
8. Assist all participants in basketball to know and understand the
rules.
As administrators, you have a role in the education of other participants.
Maintain your own knowledge of the rules of basketball and have in place
education programs so that all other participants know and understand
the rules and that they keep that knowledge current. Where change
comes to your attention, make sure that all participants who will be
effected by it are fully informed.
9. Give a copy of the codes of conduct to spectators, officials, parents,
coaches, teachers, players and the media and encourage them to
follow it.
In your role as an educator, you have a responsibility to ensure that as
many participants as possible are aware of what is expected of them.
The codes of conduct are one important way that you can fulfil that
responsibility.
10. You set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be
positive and supportive.
Assist participants to accept responsibility for their own actions rather
than mere obedience to the rules. You will not gain the respect of
participants unless you show them respect. Just as you require
accountability for the actions of others, so you must be accountable for
your own actions. Never make a decision based on your own interests.
If your interests conflict with those of basketball you must leave the
decision to others.
11. Make it clear that abusing people in any way is unacceptable and
will result in disciplinary action.
If you are making a report for abuse or any other reportable offence, you
must act with fairness towards all those involved.
12. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person.
Regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or other
factor irrelevant to the game, all persons connected with basketball are
entitled to equal treatment and respect. Avoid any remarks that could be
construed as offensive or discriminatory. Sometimes even a joke may
give offence. Even if a person refers to themselves with a particular
label, it should not be taken as an invitation for you to do so. Using
discretion is imperative and it is better to err on the side of caution.
13. Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided.
Facilities and equipment cost money and will only function properly if
kept in good order. Ensure that you do not abuse anything provided for
use. Discourage players from engaging in dangerous practices such as
hanging off hoops or “slam dunking”. Quite properly, these practices are
banned in most venues. Not only can equipment be damaged but also
serious injury can occur.
COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT
1. Remember that basketball is for enjoyment.
Remember that basketballers play for fun and enjoyment and that
winning is only part of their motivation. Always make sure that
participants are made to feel welcome whenever they attend for training
or a match.
Ensure that activities are carefully planned, well structured and varied to
provide opportunities for individual and team development. Be willing to
depart from the plan to take advantage of an unexpectedly high interest
in a particular activity.
Never ridicule players for making mistakes or losing a competition. See
errors or losses as an opportunity to learn in a constructive way.
Comment in a way that is positive and designed to create interest,
involvement and development.
2. Be reasonable in your demands.
In scheduling training and playing times and days, be reasonable in your
demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm, taking into account
their age, level of play and other commitments such as school and
employment.
Young children are likely to have more time but short attention spans.
They may have plenty of energy but are likely to need more guidance on
how best to look after their bodies. The differences in physical and
mental maturity can be quite marked in younger children of the same age
group. All these factors need to be considered in coaching young
children.
Older children have greater demands from their studies and many of
them need to work to assist their schooling. They also have many social
demands. Try to assist them in achieving a good balance between the
various demands on them.
Adults should in most cases be capable of making their own decisions on
priority between basketball and other demands such as work, family and
social engagements. Respect those decisions.
3. Teach understanding and respect for the rules.
Teach your players that understanding and playing by the rules is their
own responsibility and that the rules exist for the safety, proper order
and enjoyment of all people involved in basketball. The lessons to be
learned in this respect in basketball are lessons that can and should be
carried over into all aspects of their lives. Do not encourage players to
ignore or deliberately break any rules.
4. Give all players a reasonable amount of court time.
All players need and deserve reasonable court time. Avoid over-playing
the talented players. It is unfair to both them and those who are not so
talented. Players cannot improve without the opportunity of a reasonable
amount of match practice. Talented players can burn out. Having no or
little time in court can cause players to suffer from morale problems and
they can lose interest in the sport altogether.
5. Develop team respect for the ability of opponents including their
coaches.
Part of participation in sport is respect for all participants in the game.
Encourage your players to accept that their opponents are entitled to
proper courtesy. This means introducing themselves to their opponents
on court, congratulating them whether they win or lose and accepting
loss gracefully. Teach them that the opposition coach is there trying to
do the best for their team and is also entitled to respect.
6. Instil in your players respect for officials and an acceptance of their
judgement.
Players should be taught to understand that officials have a very difficult
task to perform and that without them games could not be played. They
are there to enforce the rules of play but they cannot always be right.
Teach your players to accept bad calls graciously. Abuse of referees is
unacceptable behaviour that should not be tolerated. Players who
consistently dispute decisions or do not accept bad decisions should be
singled out for counselling and guidance.
7. Guide your players in their interaction with the media, parents and
spectators.
It is sometimes very difficult for players to concentrate on the game when
there is the distraction of the presence of friends and relatives as
spectators. Coaches have a difficult role to play in teaching players
respect for their parents and other spectators but also teaching them to
maintain concentration on the team plan if spectators become overenthusiastic.
Parents sometimes make demands on their children’s time which
interferes in their basketball activities. Respect this and try to structure
your coaching and their training and playing times and obligations to take
those demands into account. There are many other factors which need to
be balanced, including venue availability and requirements of
administrators. The coach’s task is not easy.
The presence of media at a basketball game can lead to a temptation by
some players to “show off” or otherwise act differently from how they
would act normally. Encourage your players to not be awed by the
presence of the media. Also teach them that if they are approached for
an interview after a game they are representing the whole sport and
should behave accordingly.
8. Group players according to age, height, skills and physical maturity,
whenever possible.
Uneven competition can lead to a loss of enthusiasm. Coaches should
always try and group players of reasonably equal ability. In coaching
children it is important to remember the different maturity rates for
children of the same age. A player in their early teenage years may be the
tallest in their team and yet because they have matured early, be one of
the shorter players in only a brief time. Coaches must be ever vigilant to
ensure that changes in height and other physical characteristics are
noticed and acted upon.
9. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are
appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
In our increasingly litigious and accountable society, all those involved in
sport have a responsibility to take all reasonable steps to ensure the
safety and well being of participants. Coaches are in a unique position to
control many of the factors which can have an effect on this welfare.
Coaches should be aware of the dangers factors such as heat and
dehydration, wet floors and other potentially hazardous environmental
situations can cause. A coach has a responsibility to avoid putting
players into dangerous conditions.
10. Be prepared to lose sometimes.
Everyone wins and loses at some time. Be a fair winner and a good loser.
Disappointment at losing is natural, but it should not be obvious to the
point of being unpleasant for others. Just as unpleasant can be the
boastful winner. Recognise that even in defeat, the loser has achieved
something, just by playing. Not everything in life can be a winning
situation. Losing can be an important learning experience for your wider
life goals. Guide your players to accept a loss in this spirit.
11. Act responsibly when players are ill or injured.
Show concern and take responsibility for players who are sick or injured
whilst under your care. Follow the advice of a physician when
determining when an injured or ill player is ready to recommence play. If
a player is injured on court, make sure that there is no danger of further
aggravation of the injury by prompt removal of the player if this is
appropriate. Qualify yourself to administer first aid so that you can
recognise the seriousness of an injury or illness and act accordingly.
12. As well as imparting knowledge and skills, promote desirable
personal and social behaviours.
Be aware of the role of the coach as an educator. Particularly with young
people, the way they perform in their lives is influenced by many factors.
An important influence is the person they see as a role model. Coaches
often take on the part of role model for many young people. It is
therefore important to ensure that the influence from coaches is seen in a
positive light rather adversely. What you say and how you act can be
most important in modelling the behaviour of players.
13. Keep your knowledge current.
Seek to keep abreast of changes in sport. Ensure that the information
used is up to date, appropriate to the needs of players and takes into
account the principles of growth and development of children. Players
cannot learn from you if your skills and knowledge are inadequate.
14. Ensure that any physical contact with a player is appropriate.
Physical contact between a coach and a player except that which would be
considered usual social contact such as the shaking of a hand or a “high
five” should be rare. Gestures which can be well meaning, or even
considered by some to be acceptable, may be unacceptable to others.
Sometimes physical contact can be misinterpreted as sexual harassment
or even molestation. Particular care needs to be taken in coaching
children. Ensure that if there is physical contact with a player that it is
appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s skill
development.
15. Avoid personal relationships with players.
Personal relationships with players can often be misinterpreted as
something sinister. Friendship with players is essential to building trust
between a coach and players. However, the power imbalance in a
coaching situation can make it unwise for a relationship to develop
beyond friendship. Particular care must be taken when coaching children.
16. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person.
Regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or other
factor irrelevant to the game, all persons connected with basketball are
entitled to equal treatment and respect. Avoid any remarks that could be
construed as offensive or discriminatory. Sometimes even a joke may
give offence. Even if a person refers to themselves with a particular label,
it should not be taken as an invitation for you to do so. Using discretion is
imperative and it is better to err on the side of caution.
17. Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided.
Facilities and equipment cost money and will only function properly if
kept in good order. Ensure that you and your players do not abuse
anything provided for use. Discourage players from hanging off hoops or
“slam dunking”. Quite properly, these practices are banned in most
venues. Not only can equipment be damaged but serious injury can
occur.
OFFICIALS CODES OF CONDUCT
1. Interpret rules and regulations fairly and to match the skill level and
the needs of the participants.
Whilst many requirements of rules are for the safety of those involved in
basketball and should never be compromised , others allow flexibility.
The age and skills level of the players involved should be taken into
account when interpreting rules. As long as you are consistent in
interpreting rules and communicate before a game how you intend to
interpret the rule, players and the game should benefit. Use common
sense to ensure that the “spirit of the game” is not lost by overcalling
technical violations.
2. Compliment both teams on their efforts.
You should make an effort to congratulate both sides at the end of a
game, not just the winning side. If there has been a problem during the
game, by all means raise it, but do so in a constructive manner so that
players may learn from your experience and guidance.
3. Be consistent, objective and courteous in calling all infractions.
Objectivity is the single most important characteristic of a good official.
It can sometimes be tempting to be easier –or harder, so that you appear
to be objective - on a team that you have a connection with. It is also
easy to be harder on their opponents or on a team which you believe is
not playing the game in the proper spirit or with which you may have had
a bad experience in the past. You must resist this temptation. Even when
you call an infraction, you must do so in a courteous manner.
4. Promote fair play and appropriate sporting behaviour.
Use every opportunity you have to communicate the message that
basketball is about fair play, not to be marred by poor behaviour.
Condemn the deliberate foul as being unsportsmanlike. If you see an act
of good sportsmanship, applaud it.
5. Publicly encourage rule changes.
Officials are in a unique position to judge how rules work and their effect
on the game. You should use that position to promote change where you
can see a positive benefit to participants’ enjoyment of the game from a
change.
6. Ensure that both on and off the court your behaviour is consistent
with the principles of good sportsmanship.
Just as you are entitled to the respect of players, they are entitled to
expect that you will act honestly and with integrity. Lead by example -
actions speak louder than words. If your standards are down, players and
others involved in the sport will see that as a signal that it is acceptable
for them to lower their standards.
7. Keep your knowledge current.
Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound
officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of
children. Always attend training programs when they are available, to
ensure that your knowledge is current and that your skills are always
improving. Read all information that is available to make sure that you
don’t miss innovations such as rule changes.
8. Help the education process in the game.
Help players learn to play the game. Make sure that players understand
rule infractions. Sometimes players dispute decisions because they do
not understand the rules correctly. If you perceive that a player hasn’t
understood a ruling, take the time when it is convenient to explain it to
them. If there is a team problem of understanding, approach the coach
and outline what the problem is and why it is a problem. Don’t feel
defensive about explaining your decisions. You are the expert on the
court and players are entitled to your constructive guidance.
9. Always present yourself in a way which encourages others to
respect you and your role.
In both your demeanour and appearance you should lead by example.
Always wear the appropriate uniform and make sure that it is neat and
clean. Just as players are expected to be properly attired, so should you
be. If you present yourself in a sloppy manner it sends a signal that you
may be sloppy in your tasks as an official.
10. Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided.
Facilities and equipment cost money and will only function properly if
kept in good order. Ensure that you do not abuse anything provided for
use. Discourage players from engaging in dangerous practices such as
hanging off hoops or “slam dunking”. Quite properly, these practices are
banned in most venues. Not only can equipment be damaged but also
serious injury can occur.
PARENTS’ CODE OF CONDUCT
1. Encourage your children to participate for their own interest and
enjoyment, not yours.
Support your children in their participation in basketball but do not force
them to play if they don’t want to. Sport is played by children for
enjoyment and fitness. It is good for their bodies but should also be
good for their minds. If they feel too much pressure from you it may
make them rebellious or even depressed. It is very tempting for parents
who are involved in a sport, or who have children with abilities they wish
they had themselves to try and force the children to participate or to
participate at a level to which they do not aspire. Resist the temptation.
2. Encourage children to always play by the rules.
Just as responsible parents teach their children to obey the law of the
land, so should those same parents encourage their children to play sport
by the rules. If your children show no respect for the rules of the game of
basketball, they can also come to believe that breaking the law is
acceptable too. If you see your children constantly breaching rules you
should be prepared to speak to them at an appropriate time.
3.
Teach children that an honest effort is always as important as a
victory
.
Your children will suffer many disappointments in their lives. You should
teach them from an early age that whilst a win in basketball will bring
them much pleasure, it is not the most important thing. Participating to
the best of their abilities is far more important than winning. You can
help them learn this, so that the result of each game is accepted without
undue disappointment.
4.
Focus on developing skills and playing the game. Reduce the
emphasis on winning
.
If children see that effort is rewarded by an increase in skills, they will
derive considerable pleasure and see the importance of striving to
improve over the necessity to win every game. Primary responsibility for
skills training rests with the children and their coaches but you can assist
with their enthusiasm by attending games, encouraging them to practise
away from formal training and games and even joining in with this
practice.
5. A child learns best by example. Applaud good play by all teams.
Acknowledge all good plays whether they be by your children’s team or
the other team. Good manners and respect can be infectious. If you
acknowledge the achievements of your children’s opponents it is likely
your children will follow suit. This can assist to create a positive and
supportive climate for all children involved in the game.
6. Do not criticise your or others’ children in front of others.
Reserve constructive criticism of your own children for more private
moments. Children can be very sensitive and feel strong humiliation if
they are criticised in front of their peers. When you do feel the necessity
to speak to your child about something that displeases you, make the
effort to explain what the problem is and why you are concerned about it.
If you can see some way of avoiding the problem in the future, also
explain this to the children. Give your children an opportunity to offer
you an explanation. You are not communicating with your children
effectively if all the communication is one way.
7. Accept decisions of all referees as being fair and called to the best of
their ability.
Referees and officials have a difficult task to perform and your children
could not play the game without them. They are there to enforce the rules
of play but they cannot always be right. Accept bad calls graciously.
Abuse of referees is unacceptable behaviour. Players who consistently
dispute decisions or do not accept bad decisions are bad sports. If you
disagree with a decision, discuss it with your children in a constructive
manner.
8. Set a good example by your own conduct, behaviour and appearance.
Children often learn by example. You are the prime role models for them.
Make your parenting rewarding and beyond criticism by leading by
example. Do not criticise opposing team members or supporters by word
or gesture. Accept loss graciously and applaud the efforts of all playing
the game. Do not be one of the “ugly” parents occasionally seen at
sporting events.
9. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting
activities.
Parents have considerable influence in how sports are conducted. Often
they are called on to perform volunteer work to help organise their and
others’ children’s’ activities. Use this rewarding experience, not just to
assist in getting the necessary work performed, but also to influence the
atmosphere in which your children play the sport. Children not as
fortunate as yours whose parents are not willing or able to be involved
may need some guidance on what is or isn’t acceptable behaviour.
10. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person.
Regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or other
factor irrelevant to the game, all persons connected with basketball are
entitled to equal treatment and respect. Avoid any remarks that could be
construed as offensive or discriminatory. Sometimes even a joke may
give offence. Even if a person refers to themselves with a particular label,
it should not be taken as an invitation for you to do so. Using discretion is
imperative and it is better to err on the side of caution. Your children will
most likely follow your lead in matters of discrimination and vilification.
11. Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators.
Volunteers are necessary for the functioning of sporting activities.
Without them, your child could not participate. Whilst many are parents of
people involved in the sport, many are also people dedicated to the sport
and its development. Show them the respect and appreciation that they
deserve.
12. Keep children in your care under control.
Basketball encourages you to bring your children to games. However,
there can be dangers to them in a basketball stadium. They can also
constitute a danger to players. You should ensure that children with you
at a basketball game are well behaved and do not wander onto or too
near to courts. They can easily be knocked down by a player or a player
can trip over a child when concentrating on the play and not expecting a
small child to be in the way.
13. Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided.
Facilities and equipment cost money and will only function properly if
kept in good order. Ensure that you do not abuse anything provided for
use. Discourage your children from engaging in dangerous practices such
as hanging off hoops or “slam dunking”. Quite properly, these practices
are banned in most venues. Not only can equipment be damaged but
serious injury can occur.
PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT
1. Understand and play by the rules.
Understanding and playing by the rules is your responsibility. The rules
exist for the safety, proper order and enjoyment of all people involved in
basketball. The lessons to be learned in this respect in basketball are
lessons that can and should be carried over into all aspects of your lives.
Do not ignore or deliberately break any rules. Even if you think that a
deliberate foul may give your team an advantage, you should not commit
the deliberate foul in the interests of fair play. If you do consistently
commit deliberate fouls or break the rules you must accept that there will
be consequences for you and your team. Do not let yourself or your team
down.
2. Respect referees and other officials.
Referees and officials have a difficult task to perform and you could not
play the game without them. They are there to enforce the rules of play
but they cannot always be right. Accept bad calls graciously. Abuse of
referees is unacceptable behaviour. Players who consistently dispute
decisions or do not accept bad decisions are bad sports. If you disagree
with a decision, have your coach, captain or manager approach the
referee during a break or after the game, in an appropriate manner.
3. Control your temper.
Verbal abuse of officials is a serious offence against the rules of
basketball. Verbally abusing other players or deliberately distracting or
provoking an opponent are also not acceptable or permitted in basketball.
Loss of temper is not only unpleasant for other participants in the game,
it can also distract you and have an adverse effect on your concentration
and effectiveness on the court.
4. Work equally hard for yourself and for your team
.
You owe it to yourself and others involved in your team to train and play
to the best of your abilities. Your team’s performance will benefit - so will
you. If you are half-hearted about your involvement in the sport you will
become dissatisfied and lose out on the much of the enjoyment and
satisfaction you can derive from giving it your best.
5. Be a good sport.
Acknowledge all good plays whether they be by your team or the other
team. Good manners and respect can be infectious. Everyone likes to be
praised when they do something well. If you acknowledge the
achievements of your opponents it is likely they will follow suit. Part of
participation in sport is respect for all participants in the game. Your
opponents are entitled to proper courtesy. Always introduce yourself to
your opponents on court, congratulate them whether you win or lose and
accept a loss gracefully. Remember that the opposition coach is there
trying to do the best for their team and is also entitled to respect.
6. Treat all players as you would like to be treated.
Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
Just because one of your team cannot perform as well as you do does not
mean that they are not trying. Everyone makes mistakes. Do not abuse or
ridicule another player when a mistake is made. Constructive guidance
and encouragement when a player does well will assist a player to
improve their game.
7. Play for the “enjoyment of it” and not just to please parents and
coaches.
Playing sport, including basketball, should be fun. This doesn’t mean
that you shouldn’t take it seriously, just that at the same time you should
enjoy it. If you enjoy an activity you will perform much better and derive
far more benefit from it than if it is an unpleasant experience. You may
experience pressure from your coach and parents and others to perform
outside of your capability or desires. Whilst this can be a positive and
their way of showing you support in your activities, you should resist it
where it no longer is enjoyable.
8. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person.
Regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or other
factor irrelevant to the game, all persons connected with basketball are
entitled to equal treatment and respect. Avoid any remarks that could be
construed as offensive or discriminatory. Sometimes even a joke may
give offence. Even if a person refers to themselves with a particular label,
it should not be taken as an invitation for you to do so. Using discretion is
imperative and it is better to err on the side of caution.
9. Be prepared to lose sometimes.
Everyone wins and loses at some time. Be a fair winner and a good loser.
Disappointment at losing is natural, but it should not be obvious to the
point of being unpleasant for others. Just as unpleasant can be the
boastful winner. Recognise that even in defeat, the loser has achieved
something, just by playing. Not everything in life can be a winning
situation. Losing can be an important learning experience for your wider
life goals.
10. Listen to the advice of your coach and try to apply it at practice and
in games.
Your coach has been appointed to coach your team because they have
certain abilities and experience. They have also undergone training to
ensure that you get the best coach that you can commensurate with your
skill levels. Apart from skills training, your coach can provide you with
helpful advice on all aspects of playing basketball. Make the most of the
opportunity provided to you to work with your coach to have a happy and
successful experience in basketball.
11. Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided.
Facilities and equipment cost money and will only function properly if
kept in good order. Ensure that you do not abuse anything provided for
use. Do not engage in dangerous practices such as hanging off hoops or
“slam dunking”. Quite properly, these practices are banned in most
venues. Not only can equipment be damaged but serious injury can
occur.
SPECTATORS CODE OF CONDUCT
1. Remember that most people play sport for enjoyment.
People are not playing basketball for the entertainment of spectators nor
are many of them professionals. You should be watching basketball for
your own enjoyment and to show support for those playing. Help the
players to enjoy their game. Applaud good performances from each team.
Congratulate all players regardless of the outcome.
2. Accept decisions of all referees as being fair and called to the best of
their ability.
Referees and officials have a difficult task to perform. You would not have
a game to enjoy without them. They are there to enforce the rules of play
but they cannot always be right. Accept bad calls graciously. Abuse of
referees is unacceptable behaviour. Spectators who consistently dispute
decisions or do not accept bad decisions are bad sports. If you disagree
with a decision, accept it graciously – you cannot change it.
3. Always be positive in your support for players.
Never ridicule or shout at a player, particularly a young player for making
a mistake during competition. Positive support for players will offer
encouragement to them and most likely spur them to better things on the
court.
4. Condemn the use of violence in any form.
Never encourage players to engage in violence or engage in it yourself.
Violence has no place in basketball and strong action should be taken to
discourage it.
5. Respect your team’s opponents, officials and spectators.
Without your team’s opponents, there would be no game. Their
supporters are there to enjoy the game as much as you are. Light-hearted
banter with an opposing spectator can add a further element of fun to a
game. Conversely, nasty or inappropriate behaviour or remarks will
seriously detract from it.
6. Encourage players to obey the rules and to accept decisions of
officials.
Often players can get carried away when spectators become enthusiastic
or heated over an issue. This can be a positive but it can also be negative
when it involves such behaviour as disputing decisions. Always
encourage players to obey the rules and do not dispute referees’
decisions.
7. Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language
or harassing players, coaches or officials.
Anti social behaviour such as foul or abusive language has no place in
basketball. If others engage in it, just ignore them – they will soon tire of
it if they get no reaction. Alternatively, ask them politely to desist. If it
continues and it is serious, bring it to the attention of an official.
8. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person.
Regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or other
factor irrelevant to the game, all persons connected with basketball are
entitled to equal treatment and respect. Avoid any remarks that could be
construed as offensive or discriminatory. Sometimes even a joke may
give offence. Even if a person refers to themselves with a particular label,
it should not be taken as an invitation for you to do so. Using discretion is
imperative and it is better to err on the side of caution.
9. Keep children in your care under control.
Basketball encourages you to bring your children to games. However,
there can be dangers to them in a basketball stadium. They can also
constitute a danger to players. You should ensure that children with you
at a basketball game are well behaved and do not wander onto or too
near to courts. They can easily be knocked down by a player or a player
can trip over a child when concentrating on the play and not expecting a
small child to be in the way.
10. Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided.
Facilities and equipment cost money and will only function properly if
kept in good order. Ensure that you do not abuse anything provided for
use. Do not encourage players to engage in dangerous practices such as
hanging off hoops or “slam dunking”. Quite properly, these practices are
banned in most venues. Not only can equipment be damaged but also
serious injury can occur.
Comments
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