The San Ignacio and Santa Elena Basketball Association, SSBA, along with the Cayo Association of Basketball Officials, CABO, are both disappointed with how some coaches and players are conducting themselves during games.  As a result, we are now outlining what behaviors are unacceptable, and any violation of these protocols will be penalized via fines and suspensions.  We are now forced to raise the standard of conduct on the court, and outline penalties for non-compliance.  Article 38.1 of the FIBA Rules dictates that “the proper conduct of the game demands the full and loyal cooperation of the members of both teams (players, substitutes, coaches, assistant coaches, excluded players and team followers) with the officials. Each team shall do its best to secure victory, but this must be done in the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play.” 

            Hence, players and coaches are strongly advised that after a referee has made a call, no player or coach will be allowed to loudly and verbally challenge, contest or argue with that call.  Any disrespectful and unsportsmanlike reaction to any call will now be penalized immediately.  This includes shouting after a call is made, swinging of your hands in disagreement, disrespectfully staring at a referee or humoring a call. If this is done, the referee will issue a warning to that team after the first infraction.  If it is repeated, then a technical foul will be given to the player or coach. If this action is repeated, then any other player/coach of that team that disrespectfully challenges a call by a referee will be disqualified/ejected from the game.  Article 38.3.1 defines a technical foul by a player for “disregarding warnings given by officials, disrespectfully touching the officials, disrespectfully communicating with the officials. A technical foul by a coach, assistant coach, substitute, excluded player or team follower is a foul for disrespectfully communicating with or touching the officials.”

            In closing, it must be noted that players and coaches are allowed to request an explanation of any call, but that must be done in a courteous and respectful manner, and only when the ball becomes dead and the game clock is stopped.  No player or coach is allowed to question a call loudly when the game is playing.

            Thanks, as we all continue to partner to make this year’s season a success.