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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

Codes of Conduct

Vision
Through collaboration and cooperation we will build and strengthen capacity to ensure
basketball is the sport of first choice.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

Basketball is one of the most highly participated team sports in Western Australia and
engages participants through all skill levels, ages and both genders. As a major sport in
Australia, coupled with the successes that it has enjoyed overseas with its senior and
junior national teams, basketball the business is booming.

Basketball is intended to be a recreational activity for enjoyment and health. These


Codes of Conduct have been developed by Basketball Australia 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!!

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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
over-enthusiastic.

Parents sometimes make demands on their childrens 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 coachs 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 wellbeing 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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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. Guide your players to accept a loss in this spirit.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

children. Ensure that if there is physical contact with a player that it is appropriate to the
situation and necessary for the players skill development.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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 teams 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 doesnt mean that you shouldnt
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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Encourage 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 dont 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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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 childrens team or the other team.
Good manners and respect can be infectious. If you acknowledge the achievements of
your childrens 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

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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 childrens 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 isnt 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

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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 teams opponents, officials and spectators.

Without your teams 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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

OFFICIALS CODE 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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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 dont 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 hasnt 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. Dont 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

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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 a 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. Dont 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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

Basketball WA would like to acknowledge Basketball Victoria for the work and
permission for the distribution of this document.

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

Re-Produced by Basketball WA for use as an information document only.

For more information please contact:

Basketball WA

T: 08 6272 0741
F: 08 6272 1307
E: [email protected]
W: www.basketballwa.asn.au

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Basketball WA Codes of Conduct

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