:Players Code of Conduct

1. Understand and play by the rules.

Understanding and playing by the rules is your responsibility. The rules

exist for the safety, proper order and enjoyment of all people involved in

basketball. The lessons to be learned in this respect in basketball are

lessons that can and should be carried over into all aspects of your lives.

Do not ignore or deliberately break any rules. Even if you think that a

deliberate foul may give your team an advantage, you should not commit

the deliberate foul in the interests of fair play. If you do consistently

commit deliberate fouls or break the rules you must accept that there will

be consequences for you and your team. Do not let yourself or your team

down.

2. Respect referees and other officials.

 Referees and officials have a difficult task to perform and you could not

play the game without them. They are there to enforce the rules of play

but they cannot always be right. Accept bad calls graciously. Abuse of

referees is unacceptable behaviour. Players who consistently dispute

decisions or do not accept bad decisions are bad sports. If you disagree

with a decision, have your coach, captain or manager approach the

referee during a break or after the game, in an appropriate manner.

3. Control your temper.

Verbal abuse of officials is a serious offence against the rules of

basketball. Verbally abusing other players or deliberately distracting or

provoking an opponent are also not acceptable or permitted in basketball.

Loss of temper is not only unpleasant for other participants in the game,

it can also distract you and have an adverse effect on your concentration

and effectiveness on the court.

4. Work equally hard for yourself and for your team.

You owe it to yourself and others involved in your team to train and play

to the best of your abilities. Your team’s performance will benefit - so will

you. If you are half-hearted about your involvement in the sport you will become dissatisfied and lose out on the much of the enjoyment and

satisfaction you can derive from giving it your best.

5. Be a good sport.

 Acknowledge all good plays whether they be by your team or the other

team. Good manners and respect can be infectious. Everyone likes to be

praised when they do something well. If you acknowledge the

achievements of your opponents it is likely they will follow suit. Part of

participation in sport is respect for all participants in the game. Your

opponents are entitled to proper courtesy. Always introduce yourself to

your opponents on court, congratulate them whether you win or lose and

accept a loss gracefully. Remember that the opposition coach is there

trying to do the best for their team and is also entitled to respect.

6. Treat all players as you would like to be treated.

Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.

Just because one of your team cannot perform as well as you do does not

mean that they are not trying. Everyone makes mistakes. Do not abuse or

ridicule another player when a mistake is made. Constructive guidance

and encouragement when a player does well will assist a player to

improve their game.

7. Play for the “enjoyment of it” and not just to please parents and

coaches.

Playing sport, including basketball, should be fun. This doesn’t mean

that you shouldn’t take it seriously, just that at the same time you should

enjoy it. If you enjoy an activity you will perform much better and derive

far more benefit from it than if it is an unpleasant experience. You may

experience pressure from your coach and parents and others to perform

outside of your capability or desires. Whilst this can be a positive and

their way of showing you support in your activities, you should resist it

where it no longer is enjoyable.

8. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person. 

Regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or other

factor irrelevant to the game, all persons connected with basketball are

entitled to equal treatment and respect. Avoid any remarks that could be

construed as offensive or discriminatory. Sometimes even a joke may

give offence. Even if a person refers to themselves with a particular label,

it should not be taken as an invitation for you to do so. Using discretion is

imperative and it is better to err on the side of caution.

9. Be prepared to lose sometimes.

Everyone wins and loses at some time. Be a fair winner and a good loser.

Disappointment at losing is natural, but it should not be obvious to the

point of being unpleasant for others. Just as unpleasant can be the

boastful winner. Recognise that even in defeat, the loser has achieved

something, just by playing. Not everything in life can be a winning situation. Losing can be an important learning experience for your wider

life goals.

10. Listen to the advice of your coach and try to apply it at practice and

in games.

Your coach has been appointed to coach your team because they have

certain abilities and experience. They have also undergone training to

ensure that you get the best coach that you can commensurate with your

skill levels. Apart from skills training, your coach can provide you with

helpful advice on all aspects of playing basketball. Make the most of the

opportunity provided to you to work with your coach to have a happy and

successful experience in basketball.

11. Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided.

Facilities and equipment cost money and will only function properly if

kept in good order. Ensure that you do not abuse anything provided for

use. Do not engage in dangerous practices such as hanging off hoops or

“slam dunking”. Quite properly, these practices are banned in most

venues. Not only can equipment be damaged but serious injury can

occur.