Basketball England Code of Conduct

Keep it Positive

Updated July 2025

Definitions of terms used in this document can be found HERE. 

Introduction

We all want to have a great experience in basketball, wherever and whoever we are.?? 

?We want to be safe, feel included, and get the most out of our experience, and how everyone behaves is really important. We have a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination, abuse, and violence.? 

?This Code of Conduct sets out what is expected of you, and what you can expect of others. Where a participant doesn’t meet the standards we all expect, action may be taken in line with the Disciplinary Code.?? 

Setting high standards of integrity and conduct, throughout the sport will create better game day experiences for all and make us want to remain in the sport and will attract new people to our sport – Together we are basketball.? 

Coaches and Coaching Workforce? 

? On and off the court I will:? 

• Show respect to others?? 

• Ensure my behaviour is exemplary and refrain from violent, abusive or confrontational conduct.? 

• Know and understand the rules? 

 When working with players I will:? 

• Put welfare and safety above winning? 

• Keep up to date and comply with Safeguarding requirements, best practice guidance and report any concerns promptly.?? 

• Create an environment free from any form of discrimination.? 

• Encourage fair play and be a positive role model to others.?? 

• Focus on my own team, and not on mistakes made by others.? 

• Demonstrate emotional control.? 

• Accept the decisions made by match officials even if I don’t agree with them.? 

• Ensure training and playing demands are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the players.? 

• Be respectful to all participants in the game.? 

• Be receptive to feedback and take opportunities to develop and improve as a coach.? 

• Ensure my conduct online is appropriate at all times, and be aware of correct methods of communication with any U18s or Adults at Risk.? 

• Ensure the best interests of players are at the centre of my decision-making and actions.? 

I understand that if I do not follow the Code of Conduct and other Basketball England rules, regulations and policies I may be:? 

• Required to meet with my Club, Regional Association or Basketball England.? 

• Asked to complete training or education sessions.? 

• Fined or suspended (either temporarily or permanently) from coaching and any other roles I have in Basketball.? 

• Required to leave my position or have my licence withdrawn.? 

• Referred to relevant authorities for any Safeguarding concerns.?  

Match Officials and Officiating Workforce? 

On and off the court I will:?? 

• Know and understand the laws of the game and competition rules.?? 

• Always remain impartial and ensure my decisions and actions uphold the integrity of the game.?? 

• Comply with all Safeguarding requirements, and make sure I am familiar with best practice and know how to report any concerns.?? 

• Create an environment free from any form of discrimination.? 

• Ensure my behaviour is exemplary, and refrain from violent, abusive or confrontational conduct.???? 

• Report any incidents of misconduct in a prompt and factual manner.? 

• Be respectful to all participants in the game.? 

• Be receptive to feedback and take opportunities to develop and improve as an official.? 

• Ensure my conduct online is appropriate at all times, and be aware of correct methods of communication with any U18s or Adults at Risk.? 

I understand that if I do not follow the Code of Conduct and other Basketball England rules, regulations and policies I may be:? 

• Required to meet with Basketball England.? 

• Asked to complete training or education sessions.? 

• Fined or suspended (either temporarily or permanently) from officiating and any other roles I have in Basketball.? 

• Required to leave my position or have my licence withdrawn.? 

• Referred to relevant authorities for any Safeguarding concerns.? 

Players? 

On and off the court I will:? 

• Ensure I try to perform at my best at training and games.?? 

• Encourage fair play by my teammates.?? 

• Accept the decisions made by other even if I don’t agree with them, and raise any concerns calmly and in the correct manner.? 

• Be respectful to all participants in the game.?? 

• Make sure I am familiar with Safeguarding requirements and know how to report any concerns.?? 

• Create an environment free from any form of discrimination.? 

• Play fairly and within the laws of the game, and refrain from violent, abusive or confrontational conduct.???? 

• Be receptive to feedback and take opportunities to develop and improve as a player.? 

• Ensure my conduct online is appropriate at all times.? 

I understand that if I do not follow the Code of Conduct and other Basketball England rules, regulations and policies I may be:? 

• Required to meet with my Club, Regional Association or Basketball England.? 

• Asked to complete training or education sessions.? 

• Fined or suspended (either temporarily or permanently) from playing and any other roles I have in Basketball.? 

• Required to leave my position or have my licence withdrawn.? 

• Referred to relevant authorities for any Safeguarding concerns.? 

Young Players? 

When I play basketball I will:? 

• Try to play the best I can.? 

• Include everyone who wants to join in.? 

• Be kind and respectful to others.? 

• Listen carefully to my coaches and referees.? 

• Play fairly and play by the rules.? 

• Encourage everyone to do their best and have fun.? 

• Tell an adult I trust if anything is making me feel sad or worried.? 

If I don’t follow the Code of Conduct:? 

• I might be asked to say sorry.? 

• I might not be able to play the rest of the game.? 

• I might not be allowed to train or play games for a few weeks.? 

• I might have to leave my Club.? 

Club Officials?? 

I will:? 

• Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all Club members.? 

• Comply with all Safeguarding requirements, and make sure I am familiar with best practice and know how to report any concerns.?? 

• Create an environment free from any form of discrimination.? 

• Ensure my behaviour is exemplary, and refrain from violent, abusive or confrontational conduct.???? 

• Encourage fair play and be a positive role model to others.?? 

• Ensure Club policies and procedures are in place, and are followed when needed.? 

• Understand that the Club is responsible for the conduct of its members, and in particular the behaviour and conduct of parents and spectators at games.??? 

• Be respectful to all participants in the game.? 

• Be receptive to feedback and take opportunities to develop and improve the Club.? 

• Ensure my conduct online is appropriate at all times, and be aware of correct methods of communication with any U18s or Adults at Risk.? 

• Ensure the best interests of players are at the centre of my decision-making and actions.??  

I understand that if I do not follow the Code of Conduct and other Basketball England rules, regulations and policies I may be:? 

• Required to meet with my Regional Association or Basketball England.? 

• Asked to complete training or education sessions.? 

• Fined or suspended (either temporarily or permanently) from any role I have in Basketball.? 

• Required to leave my position.? 

• Referred to relevant authorities for any Safeguarding concerns.? 

Spectators and parents/carers? 

I will:? 

• Understand that the safety, wellbeing and safeguarding of participants is always the priority.? 

• Help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone, free from any form of discrimination.? 

• Be supportive to all players, and refrain from violent, abusive or confrontational conduct.???? 

• Be respectful to coaches and officials, and accept their decisions even if I don’t agree with them.? 

• Report any concerns calmly and in the correct manner.? 

• Abide by any requests to amend my behaviour promptly and politely.?? 

• Make myself familiar with Club procedures for reporting any safeguarding concerns.? 

I understand that my Club may be fined or receive other sanctions from Basketball England if I do not follow the Code of Conduct. I understand that if I do not follow the Code of Conduct I may be:? 

• Issued with a warning by my Club.? 

• Asked by my Club not to attend games for a set period of time, or permanently.? 

• Asked to complete training or education sessions.? 

Therapy and Medical Staff? 

All affiliated therapy and medical staff must also review their own professional body’s code of conduct and adhere to them.? Therapists working for BE will be required to adhere to further guidelines detailed to them at the time of employment.?? 

I will:? 

• Ensure all certification (including medical and insurance) is fully up to date.? 

• Ensure first aid management courses include defib and CPR training (BE strongly recommends that Team Therapists undertake trauma training from a recognised provider, such as LUBAS, The RFU or The FA).? 

• Ensure appropriate insurance cover is in place to cover the role and potentially working with professional athletes.? 

• Comply with all Safeguarding requirements, and make sure I am familiar with best practice and know how to report any concerns.? 

• Obtain consent at all times prior to treatment commencing. This will include a thorough explanation regarding the treatment process and aims of treatment to the person who will receive the treatment.? 

• Maintain medical confidentiality at all times. Relevant information needs to be passed on to relevant staff members but this should only be when written permission is obtained through a consent form. Medical information should not be discussed with anyone outside of recognised basketball staff.? ? 

• Work to maintain patient dignity at all times and act in a professional manner keeping them aware of progress, prognosis and future plans. Further guidance on consent, confidentiality and dignity can be obtained from my own professional body.? 

• Not exert undue influence on athletes to perform when there is clear evidence that they are not fit to do so. If coaching staff are playing/training a clearly unfit player then it is my duty?to voice their concerns in a professional manner and report the matter on as appropriate.? ? 

• Ensure no child or U20 is treated in any way in any situation where they are on their?own in a treatment room/area with the door closed.??? 

• Keep coaches/team managers and where appropriate parents informed of the location of the treatment room/area. This should not be the therapists/medical staff’s own sleeping accommodation.??? 

• Ensure that in a camp environment, coaches and team managers are aware of treatment times.?It is recommended that treatment is undertaken in the presence of a team manager, parent or welfare officer for those players under 16 years.??? 

• Ensure that when treating a potentially embarrassing body area, a chaperone is always offered regardless of the age of the athlete.?An additional suitable member of staff should act as a chaperone.?At all times therapy/medical staff need to give adequate consideration on treating such areas as these before commencing treatment.??? 

• Follow up all ongoing injuries/illnesses via the appropriate referral or line of communication.? 

• Communicate appropriately to optimise treatment if more than one therapy/medical staff member is involved in the care of an athlete.? 

• Maintain and file medical records in line with professional standards. BE strongly recommend electronic medical records system that the club/institution has purchased for the purpose of medical record keeping.??? 

I understand that if I do not follow the Code of Conduct and other Basketball England rules, regulations and policies I may be:? 

• Required to meet with Basketball England.? 

• Asked to complete training or education sessions.? 

• Fined or suspended (either temporarily or permanently) from?my role and any other roles I have in Basketball.? 

• Required to leave my position or have my licence withdrawn.? 

• Referred to relevant authorities for any Safeguarding concerns.? 

• Referred to my professional body.?  

Basketball England appointed roles?? 

 In addition to abiding by the Code of Conduct relevant to the role I am undertaking, I will:? 

• Act professionally at all times and in accordance with the terms of my appointment as stipulated by Basketball England.? 

• Lead by example and understand the additional responsibility I have to be a role model to others.? 

• Undertake the role to the best of my ability, and not use the position to gain any benefit or advantage for other roles I might have.?? 

I understand that if I do not follow the Codes of Conduct I may be in breach of my agreement with Basketball England, and may be subject to HR proceedings in addition to any other action taken in accordance with Basketball England’s Codes of Conduct, rules, regulations and policies.?