Anti-Harassment and Abuse Policy of Officials and Referees for BASA Junior District Competitions

This policy is separated into 4 sections: Players, Coaches, Parents and Spectators, Officials and Referees. In all cases the policy shall outline the conduct expected, the administration in enforcing the policy and penalties for breach.

Players

Players at all times should adhere to the following code of conduct.

1. Players are not to make overly verbal or animated objections to a referee’s decision.
2. Players are not to disrupt or hinder the flow of the game in objecting to a referee’s decision.
3. Players are to address any complaint or queries about a referee’s decision through their team captain or coach and only during a time-out or quarter or half time break.
4. Players are not to make statements of an abusive nature towards a referee, the nature of which includes but is not limited to:
   • Performance or competence of referee or partner
   • Racial discrimination
   • Gender or sexuality based remarks
   • Perceived bias of a referee towards an opposing team
5. Players are not to use audible obscenities, which can be heard by other players, spectators or officials.

 

Administration and Enforcement Procedures for a minor breach of the players’ code of conduct the referees should follow the outlined procedure in order to administer the penalty.

1. Warn the player of his/her breach of the code
2. Advise the player’s coach of the warning
3. Advise the other referee of the warning
4. Upon a repeat offence the penalty should be invoked

 

Where the general conduct of a number of players in the team is not satisfactory the referee may issue a warning to the entire team and upon repeat offences immediately invoke the penalty.

Penalty:

A Technical Foul should be called on the player and administered as per the Basketball Australia, Official Basketball Rules. For serious breaches the Referee may immediately charge the player with a Technical Foul or Disqualification without issuing a warning. For repeat offenders the Technical Foul shall serve as the player’s first and final warning.

Coaches

Coaches at all times should adhere to the following code of conduct.

1. Coaches are not to make overly verbal or animated objections to a referee’s decision.
2. Coaches are to refrain from asking questions or making comments to a referee whilst play is in progress or during short stoppages in play. This includes but is not limited to:
   • A throw in resulting from a violation, foul or other occurrence.
   • During the administration of free throws.
   • During a stoppage in play for substitutions.
3. Coaches are to direct questions to referees only during time-outs, quarter and half time breaks.
4. Coaches are to limit their questioning of Referee’s to either Rules or Bylaw interpretations.
5. If a coach is not satisfied with a ruling he/she may seek clarification with the Umpire in Charge for that stadium but he/she may not stay and argue the point with the referee’s.
6. Coaches are not to make statements of an abusive nature towards a referee the nature of which includes but is not limited to;
   • Performance or competence of referee or partner
   • b. Racial Discrimination
   • Gender or Sexuality based remarks
   • Perceived bias of a referee towards an opposing team
7. Coaches are not to use audible obscenities, which can be heard by other players, spectators or officials.
8. Coaches are to adhere to and assist a referee’s request to address the conduct of his/her players and spectators.

 

(In the case of spectators the coach shall not be penalised if he/she attempts to but is un-able to control the spectators’ behavior. In this case the assistance of the Umpire in Charge should be sought)

Administration and Enforcement Procedures for a minor breach of the coaches code of conduct the Referees should follow the outlined procedure in order for administering the penalty.

1. Warn the coach of his/her breach of the code
2. Advise the other referee of the warning
3. Upon a second offence the penalty shall be invoked

Penalty:

A Technical Foul should be called on the Coach and administered as per the Basketball Australia, Official Basketball Rules. For serious breaches the Referee may immediately charge the Coach with a Technical Foul or Disqualification without issuing a warning. For repeat offenders the Technical Foul shall serve as the coach’s first and final warning.

Spectators and Parents

Spectators at all times should adhere to the following code of conduct.

1. Remember that young people participate in sport for their enjoyment and benefit, not yours
2. Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams.
3. Respect the decisions of officials and teach young people to do the same.
4. Never ridicule or scold a young player or referee for making a mistake.
5. Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
6. Show respect for your team’s opponents.
7. Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
8. Do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches or officials.
9. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Enforcement Procedures:

For any breach of the spectators’ code of conduct the Referee’s should follow the outlined procedure.

1. Inform the coach of the spectator’s team of the breach and ask the coach to address the behaviour. (The coach is required to comply with this request. However if attempts are unsuccessful then assistance is to be sought from the Umpire in Charge)
2. On a second offence the referee is to stop the game and seek assistance from the Umpire in Charge.
3. The Umpire in Charge should issue a warning to the spectator and make them aware of the code of conduct to which they must adhere.
4. The Umpire in Charge shall then monitor the behaviour of the spectator and if the conduct does not improve request that the spectator leave the stadium.
5. If the spectator refuses to leave the Umpire in Charge may call the police to have the person removed.

 

In un-timed games the clock shall stop whilst the referee deals with spectator problems. Once the Umpire in Charge has assumed responsibility for the spectator the game should re-commence.

Referee/Official

Referees and Officials at all times should adhere to the following code of conduct.

1. At all times co-operate with Coaches, Score Table Officials and the Umpire in Charge to ensure that the game runs smoothly.
2. Treat all players, coaches and other officials with the same respect and courtesy that you expect.
3. Refrain from using bad language at all times on and off the court.
4. Encourage and commend good behaviour and sportsmanship.
5. Do not allow bad behaviour to go un-noticed.
6. Use common sense and reason when applying policies.
7. If approached by a coach for clarification on a decision or ruling then provide the coach with a clear and honest answer.
8. If a referee cannot give a clear answer to the question he/she must make every effort to obtain the answer.
9. Refrain from commenting on the performance or competence of players or coaches.
10. Do not condone or become involved in any form of racial discrimination.
11. Refrain from making gender or sexuality based remarks.
12. Referees are required to arrive on time for games; in correct uniform; and in an appropriate condition to conduct their duties and represent the Association.

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Disciplinary actions for non-compliance

If referees fail to adhere to the code of conduct, this will be first addressed by the Umpire in Charge and if required, referred to the Manager, Referee Development for disciplinary action.