Spectator Code of Conduct

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1. Remember that most people play sport for enjoyment.

Most basketballers do not play for the entertainment of spectators nor are they professionals. You should watch basketball for your own enjoyment and to show support for those playing. Help the players to enjoy their game. Applaud good performances from each team. Congratulate all players regardless of the outcome.

2. Accept referees’ decisions as fair and called to the best of their ability.

Referees and officials have a difficult task to perform. You would not have a game to enjoy without them. They are there to enforce the rules of play but they cannot always be right. Accept bad calls graciously. Abuse of referees is unacceptable behaviour. Spectators who consistently dispute decisions or do not accept bad decisions are bad sports. If you disagree with a decision, accept it graciously – you cannot change it.

3. Always be positive and support the players.

Never ridicule or shout at a player, particularly a young player, for making a mistake. Positive support for players will offer encouragement to them and most likely spur them to better things on the court.

4. Condemn violence in any form.

You should never encourage players to engage in violence and you should never engage in violence yourself. Violence has no place in basketball and strong action should and will be taken to discourage it.

5. Respect your team’s opponents, officials and spectators.

Without your team’s opponents, there would be no game. Their supporters are there to enjoy the game as much as you are. Light-hearted banter with an opposing spectator can add a further element of fun to a game. Conversely, nasty or inappropriate behaviour or remarks will seriously detract from it.

6. Encourage players to obey the rules and to accept decisions of officials.

Often players can get carried away when spectators become enthusiastic or heated over an issue. This can be a positive but it can also be negative when it involves such behaviour as disputing decisions. Always encourage players to obey the rules and do not dispute referees’ decisions.

7. Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language or harassing players, coaches or officials.

Anti-social behaviour, such as foul or abusive language, has no place in basketball. If others engage in it, ignore them – they will soon stop if they get no reaction. Alternatively, politely ask them to stop. If it continues and it is serious, bring it to the attention of an official.

8. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person.

Regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or other factor irrelevant to the game, all persons connected with basketball are entitled to equal treatment and respect. Avoid any remarks that could be construed as offensive or discriminatory. Sometimes even a joke may give offence. Even if someone refers to himself or herself with a particular label, it should not be taken as an invitation for you to do so. Using discretion is imperative and it is better to err on the side of caution.

9. Keep children in your care under control.

Basketball encourages you to bring your children to games. However, there can be dangers to them in a basketball stadium. They can also constitute a danger to players. You should ensure that children with you at a basketball game are well behaved and do not wander onto or too near to courts. They can easily be knocked down by a player or a player can trip over a child when concentrating on the play and not expecting a small child to be in the way.

10. Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided.

Facilities and equipment cost money and will only function properly if kept in good order. Ensure that you do not abuse anything provided for use. Do not encourage players to engage in dangerous practices such as hanging off hoops or “slam dunking”. Quite properly, these practices are banned in most venues. Equipment can be damaged and serious injury can occur.

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