HoopStars Inc. 

PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT – Effective 24 Aug 2007

Basketball is intended to be a recreational activity for enjoyment and health.  This code of conduct has been developed 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!

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 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.  Always use good manners and respect.  Everyone likes to be praised when they do something well.  If you acknowledge the achievements of your opponents it is likely they will acknowledge yours.  Your opponents are entitled to proper courtesy, congratulate them if you win or lose and accept loss gracefully.

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.  Encouragement when a player does well will be more beneficial to assist a player to improve their game.

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

Playing basketball should be fun.  This doesn’t mean you should not take it seriously, just that at the same time you should enjoy it.  If you enjoy an activity you will perform much better and reap far more benefits.

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.  Any offensive or discriminatory remarks will not be tolerated.

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.  A boastful winner can also be unpleasant.  Not everything in life can be a winning situation and 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 volunteered to coach your team.  Make the most of your coach’s experiences and helpful advice. Always 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”.  Not only can equipment be damaged but serious injury can occur.