The Association, its clubs, officials, competitors and spectators, are perceived by the public as representatives of the sport and must always attempt to set a good example of sportsmanship and fair play, especially to the younger generation, by the way they carry out their responsibilities both on and off the court.

The East Kent Basketball Association ‘Fair Play Charter’ has been taken from England Basketball’s ‘Code of Conduct and Ethics policy.’

This is not the full ‘Basketball England,’ ‘Ethics Policy’ but as a general principle the Association adopts and abides by Basketball England’s rules, regulation and policies.

The Association:

• Will ensure that its rules are fair, clearly understood by member clubs, club officials, coaches, players and match officials and properly enforced.
• Will make every effort to ensure that these rules are applied consistently and with absolute impartiality.
• Will impress upon players and officials the need to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship in the organisation and playing of basketball. 

Basketball Players:

• Must abide by the rules and the spirit of the game.
• Must accept the decisions of the referees without question or complaint.
• Must never consider cheating, in particular, must not attempt to improve performance by the use of drugs.
• Must exercise self-control at all times.
• Must learn to accept success, failure, victory and defeat, with good grace and magnanimity and without excessive emotional displays.
• Must treat their opponents and team mates with due respect, both on and off the court.
• Must at the end of play applaud and thank your opponents and match officials.
• Must abide by EKBBA Social Media Policy.

Member Clubs:

• Must insist that players understand and abide by the principles of good sportsmanship.
• Must never countenance the use of drugs by players.
• Must never employ methods or practices that could involve risks, to the long term health or physical development of their players.
• Must not attempt to manipulate the rules in order to take advantage of their players or opponents.

Club Officials:

• Must respect the regulations and the authority of the Association and not attempt to avoid these regulations.
• Must recognise the special role they have to play in establishing standards by setting a good example of sportsmanship at all times.
• Must respect the rights of other clubs and not deliberately act in a manner to the detriment of any other club.
• Must respect the rights of players, coaches and officials and not exploit them or act in a manner to their detriment.
• Must not endeavour to influence the result of a match by any action not strictly within the rules and regulations or within the fundamental precepts of ‘fair play’.
• Must use your official position to take action against any club member or spectator who harasses, abuses or uses foul, sexist or racist language.
• Should accept the responsibilities of the role that you have to set a good example of behaviour and conduct at all times and promote ethical principles.
• Must show respect to match officials, coaches, players and others involved in the game.
• Must avoid words or actions, which may mislead a Match Official and accept their decisions.
• Must encourage all players and coaches to abide by the rules and spirit of the game and do not manipulate the rules in order to benefit yourself or your club.

Match Officials:

• Must be honest, consistent, objective, impartial and courteous when applying the rules of the game. Officials must resist any possible influence from protests on the part of participants or spectators of the game.
• Must have regard to protecting the players by enforcing the laws of the game.
• Must show due respect when speaking with participants in the game, even in the event of infringements.

Spectators:

• Must not use offensive, discriminatory or obscene language or gestures.
• Must not harass or verbally abuse players, coaches, match officials or fellow spectators in any form.
• Must condemn the use of violence in all forms and refrain from any violent or aggressive behaviour.
• Must show respect for opponents and match officials. Without them there would be no game.
• Must not ridicule players who make mistakes.
• Must not enter the court unless authorised otherwise.
• Must not shout abuse at officials, coaches, players or other spectators.

Parents/guardians

• Will encourage all to play by the rules and respect the match officials.
• Will never ridicule or shout at a player for making a mistake or losing a game.
• Will remember that young people learn best by example.
• Will refrain from publicly questioning the judgement or honesty of match officials.
• Will recognise the value and importance of volunteers in basketball who give their time and energy to provide recreational activities for others.
• Will not shout abuse at officials, coaches, players or other spectators.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines may be considered as evidence of ‘bringing the game into disrepute’.

All members of EKBA must also adhere to the ‘Social Media Policy’ (published separately) -failure to do so may also result in disciplinary action being taken for ‘bringing the game into disrepute’. Sanctions will be at the discretion of the EKBA disciplinary committee.