WCW Dodgers Basketball Club has reflected on recent reports of a vilification incident that Basketball ACT (BACT) is investigating and further reporting of racially related incidents in the Canberra Times.

While we are not aware of any incidents relating to our Club, we would like to remind all of our coaches, managers, players and parents that there is no place for any form of racism or discrimination in our Club or in basketball, and of our expectation that the Dodgers community will at all times show respect for referees, officials and the opposition. Ours is a game to be enjoyed by all in a safe and supportive environment.

One of the great things about basketball is that it brings people from a wide variety of backgrounds together - this is something to be proud of. We are equally proud of the Dodgers' culture of inclusiveness and respect for all players.

Please take the time to read our codes of conduct - including with your junior Dodgers.

Our Player Code of Conduct can be found here.

Item 8, which outlines the need to respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person - is particularly relevant.

Our Parents Code of Conduct can be found here and our Coaches Code of Conduct here.

We fully support Basketball ACT's commitment to actively work to stamp out racism and their consideration of tougher penalties and changes to their policies. We note BACT are in discussions with Basketball Australia in relation to how tougher penalties would fall within Basketball Australia's Member Protection Policy and look forward to seeing meaningful outcomes from these discussions.

We also support BACT's commitment to identify the best way to deliver cultural awareness and anti-discrimination training as well as messaging to the 8000 members of the ACT basketball community.

We note that BACT has a formal complaints process in place to manage complaints of this nature and we as a Club fully support anyone who feels as if they have been vilified exercising their right to use this process. We as a Club will access it if we become aware of an incident impacting a Dodger.

When BACT completes its work on these matters we as a Club will review all of our Codes of Conduct and practices to make sure they are fully aligned.

We too want to be at the forefront of moves to stamp out racism in basketball and ensure our Club appropriately reflects the diversity and inclusivity of the Weston Creek and Woden community.

There is absolutely no place for racism or disrespect in our sport.

Regards

Ash Cross

President

WCW Dodgers Basketball Club