CODES OF CONDUCT 

 

Basketball is intended to be a recreational activity for enjoyment and health. This code of conduct has been developed by Singapore Premier Basketball League (SPBL) 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!!

 

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 sports, 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 factors 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 offend. 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. 

CODES OF CONDUCT 

 

Basketball is intended to be a recreational activity for enjoyment and health. This code of conduct has been developed by Singapore Premier Basketball League (SPBL) 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!!

 

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 sports 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 factors 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 offend. 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 coaches, officials and administrators. These roles 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. 

 

SPECTATORS CODE OF CONDUCT 

 

1. Remember that most people play sports 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 factors 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 offend. 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. 

CODES OF CONDUCT 

 

Basketball is intended to be a recreational activity for enjoyment and health. This code of conduct has been developed by Singapore Premier Basketball League (SPBL) 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!!

 

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 sports 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 factors 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 offend. 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 coaches, officials and administrators. These roles 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. 

 

SPECTATORS CODE OF CONDUCT 

 

1. Remember that most people play sports 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 factors 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 offend. 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. 

CODES OF CONDUCT 

 

Basketball is intended to be a recreational activity for enjoyment and health. This code of conduct has been developed by Singapore Premier Basketball League (SPBL) 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!!

 

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. 

CODES OF CONDUCT 

 

Basketball is intended to be a recreational activity for enjoyment and health. This code of conduct has been developed by Singapore Premier Basketball League (SPBL) 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!!

 

CLUB 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 participants 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 basketball player 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 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 affected 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 factors 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 offend. 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. 

 

14. Respect your opponents and their players. Whilst we compete both on the court, and off the court, we should all respect the work we all do, including the time and effort we invest in the growth and development of our students. Without opponents, there is no league, and therefore we will respect the relationships of our opposition coaches and team managers with their players. Club administrators are not to approach or initiate conversation with opposition players, especially to encourage them to leave their current club / team. This extends to digital communication away from the court. Parents may approach you, and if they express interest in joining your program, then that is an adult to adult conversation without expectation of interference from the league. Players approaching you may also happen, in which case we should respect their current commitment to their team, but if they wish to explore programs, then a parent or guardian should be brought into the conversation. We should respect that children are impressionable, and we should not abuse our age or experience for financial or competitive gain. If club administrators are found to be “poaching” players from other clubs, through communication working in opposition to the Code of Conduct, especially directly to minors, immediate and significant repercussions may be instituted, especially for repeat offenders.