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.