Conduct and Policies

All players are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and represent St Francis Basketball Club with respect, integrity and pride by:

• Playing by the rules at all times.
• Respecting referees and officials. If you disagree with a decision, allow your coach or team manager to raise the matter respectfully during a break or after the game.
• Controlling your temper. Verbal abuse of officials, sledging, or deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is unacceptable.
• Being a good sport by applauding good play from both your teammates and the opposition.
• Treating teammates, opponents, coaches, officials and spectators with respect and courtesy.
• Never bullying, intimidating or taking unfair advantage of another participant.
• Cooperating with your coach, team manager, teammates and opponents. Without them, there would be no competition.
• Participating for your own enjoyment and development, not simply to please others.
• Attending training regularly and participating with a positive attitude and a willingness to listen and learn.
• Arriving at training and games prepared, with the correct equipment, including appropriate footwear, a drink bottle, and any required medication (such as an asthma puffer).
• Maintaining a positive, encouraging and team-first attitude at all times.
• Wearing the correct St Francis Basketball Club playing uniform, including the club jersey and navy shorts without pockets.
• Respecting the rights, dignity and worth of all participants, regardless of age, gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• Using positive and respectful language at training sessions and games.
• Remembering that you are a representative of St Francis Basketball Club, both on and off the court.

Breaches of the Player Code of Conduct

Breaches of this Code of Conduct may result in one or more of the following actions:

1. Verbal warning.
2. Final warning.
3. Time off the court or removal from the playing area.
4. The incident being recorded by the club and referred to the Committee for further consideration.

Parents and spectators play an important role in creating a positive, supportive and enjoyable environment for all participants. St Francis Basketball Club asks that all parents and spectators:

• Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment and development.
• Encourage children to participate but never force them.
• Focus on effort, improvement and enjoyment rather than winning or losing.
• Encourage children to play by the rules and display good sportsmanship.
• Encourage children to resolve disagreements respectfully and without hostility or violence.
• Never ridicule, criticise or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing.
• Lead by example through positive behaviour and respectful communication.
• Appreciate good performances and skilful play from both teams.
• Respect the decisions of referees and officials and encourage children to do the same.
• Support the club's efforts to eliminate verbal and physical abuse from basketball.
• Show appreciation and respect for volunteer coaches, team managers, referees, officials and administrators. Without their commitment, children would not be able to participate.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every participant, regardless of age, gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• Refrain from using foul or abusive language, making negative comments about players, or harassing or sledging players, coaches, officials or other spectators.
• Raise any concerns regarding coaching, officiating or other club matters with the Committee in writing (via email or letter) within 24 hours of the incident. Coaches and referees should not be approached during or immediately after a game.