ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR SPORT RAGE

 

Introduction – Zero Tolerance towards poor behaviour

 

In recent times Basketball Manawatu has observed an increase in the poor behaviour of some participants, parents/guardians and spectators during its competitions and events. This poor behaviour has been directed at officials, players, coaches, spectators and Basketball Manawatu staff and volunteers. While we acknowledge that this is only a small percentage of individuals within the broader basketball community, these instances of poor behaviour impact on the enjoyment and experience of all participants.

 

To ensure an ongoing safe and enjoyable playing environment for all players, officials, parents and spectators, Basketball Manawatu will implement from the 1^st of February 2018 a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy aimed at addressing the situations that arise from this poor behaviour. This policy will supplement the following current codes of conduct:

• Basketball Manawatu Player Behaviour Code of Conduct
• Basketball Manawatu Coach Behaviour Code of Conduct
• Basketball Manawatu Parent & Spectator Behaviour Code of Conduct
• Basketball New Zealand Referee Behaviour Code of Conduct and Fair Play
• Basketball New Zealand Code of Conduct and Fair Play

 

The implementation of this policy is aimed at eliminating this behaviour and rebuilding a culture of supportive and rewarding behaviour to further encourage and strengthen our sport in general as we strive to make basketball the sport of choice in the Manawatu.

 

The implementation will be as follows:

• Basketball Manawatu Board accept Zero Tolerance Policy for Sport Rage
  • Inform NSO and RSO – Basketball New Zealand and Sport Manawatu
  • Notify the Basketball Manawatu Community via e-mail, website and social media platforms
    • Zero Tolerance Policy and all related Codes of Conduct available on the Basketball Manawatu website
    • Term 1 Summer League & 3x3 Competition
      • Representative Teams

 

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR SPORT RAGE

 

Basketball Manawatu relies heavily on the goodwill of our Coaches, Referees and Officials, most of whom are volunteers. An increase in incidents of inappropriate and abusive behaviour, known as sport rage, is leading to a decline in those willing to fill these positions. In addition, sport rage impacts on others’ enjoyment, risks players and official’s safety, and tarnishes the games reputation. Whatever the form, and wherever it takes place, sport rage is not acceptable in our association.

 

To ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants, from the 1^st of February 2018, Basketball Manawatu is adopting this Zero Tolerance Policy for Sport Rage from participants, parents / guardians and spectators.

 

Sport rage is any inappropriate or abusive behaviour that involves harassing, demeaning or belittling others. It includes:

• Persistently or willfully questioning or challenging the rules of Umpires or Bench Officials
• Berating or abusing Umpires or Bench Officials
• Berating or abusing Players or Coaches
• Berating or abusing other parents / guardians or spectators
• Displaying conduct which is inappropriate in a sporting environment
• Enter the playing court at any time without permission

 

Any participant, parent / guardian or spectator who feels the need to display this behaviour will be asked to leave the venue instantly. No warning need be given and failure to leave when asked will result in an association representative taking appropriate action to ensure the safety of other participants, parents / guardians and spectators.

 

A participant, parent / guardian or spectator who has been asked to leave an event or venue may be banned from attendance at future games or requested to attend a hearing under Basketball NZ Internal Regulations, Regulation P. All appeals against bans under this policy should be directed to the Basketball Manawatu Judicial Committee.

 

Repeated inappropriate behaviour by a participant, parent / guardian or spectator may impact the playing future of the participant.

 

Participants, parents / guardians or spectators who would like to offer feedback or seek clarification on officiating issues should direct their feedback in writing to the Basketball Manawatu Referee Coordinator or Competitions & Events Manager.

 

This policy does not intend to stifle or diminish healthy supportive cheering or the ability of players or spectators to enjoy the game. Rather it seeks to ensure a safe competitive environment for all participants including officials and other spectators.

 

This policy supplements the Basketball Manawatu Player, Coach, Officials and Parent & Spectator Behaviour Codes of Conduct, Basketball New Zealand Code of Conduct and Fair Play and Code of Conduct for Technical Officials.