This code of conduct has been developed by Basketball Victoria and modified for WBI to give referees some guide to the expectations on them. 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.All referees MUST sign and abide by this Code.

Every Wallan Basketball Referee MUST at all times:

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. Leads 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. Take the time to listen and use what advice the Referee Coaches / Advisors give you as it can sometimes be the simplest things which helps to improve your game as an official.

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 / court captain and outline what the problem is and why it is a problem. Don’t feel defensive about explaining your decisions.

9. Always present yourself in a way that encourages others to respect you and your role.

Your demeanour, behaviour and appearance both on and off the court go a long way in being a competent official. As a referee, you should lead by example. You are expected to display a good attitude and demeanour both on and off the court. Should these traits either on or off court be less than what is expected, actions resulting from this may lead to you not being rostered for games the following week. Should any issue arise regarding a breach of the code of conduct that the referee coaching panel are unable to deal with, the issue may be taken to an Executive Committee level for further action.

10. Referee Uniform

Always wear the appropriate uniform and make sure that it is neat and clean. No basketball singlets to be visible under your referee shirt. Just as players are expected to be properly attired, so should you be. Black basketball shorts or long black pants and black runners are to be worn (plain black track pants are suitable). For all finals games, black pants must be worn. In the colder months, you may wear long sleeves either plain black or white under your referee shirt. Your referee shirt must be clearly visible from the back and front at all times whilst officiating.   No other item of clothing may be worn whilst officiating, ie hoodies ,etc.

11. Game expectations

Whilst officiating a game referees will conduct themselves in a professional manner. This includes no shooting of basketballs against backboard’s or walls. No mobile phones are to be used on the bench at any stage during a game, ie timeouts, etc. Should an urgent matter arise where you need to use your mobile phone, speak to the referee supervisor who will arrange a replacement referee for you.

12. 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.

13. Referee Room

During domestic basketball, referees have the use of the meeting room near the office located at the front of the stadium. This room is equipped with lockable storage lockers and keys are normally placed in the lockers at the start of the day for you to utilise. If there is no key please speak to the referee supervisor or committee member and they will locate keys for you. These keys are to be put back in the locker at the end of the day.   This room is for your use during breaks, etc. This room is to ne kept clean and tidy and all rubbish placed in the bin at the end of the day.  

Do not store your bags or equipment in the main store room inside the stadium. This is for basketball and canteen equipment only.

14. Game forfeits.

If after 10 minutes in a game it is apparent that there is a forfeit of that game, the score sheet is to be marked accordingly and after notifying to court supervisor or referee supervisor/s a scratch match between the remaining players may be played.

15. Punctuality.

You should be ready, in full uniform and with match ball at least 5 minutes prior to the game commencing (an allowance is given when playing or refereeing on another court). If you are consistently arriving late on court a penalty of a half game payment will be made. Should this occur more than 2 weeks in a row you may not be rostered for games the following week.

16. Rostering.

You have committed to refereeing at Wallan Domestic Basketball. If you are unable to referee, please notify the referee supervisor at the earliest time possible so alterations can be made to the roster.