Code of Conduct

British Basketball Federation

Codes of Conduct

Introduction to the Codes of Conduct

These Codes of Conduct are intended as guidelines for all those involved in the sport of basketball. All such individuals have the responsibility to act according to these guidelines ensuring that basketball provides safe, fun and inclusive opportunities for people to participate in.

All persons, regardless of age, gender, ability, disability, ethnicity, religious belief and sexual identity have a right to play basketball in an enjoyable and safe environment protected from abuse.

Young players, adults at risk and everyone involved have a right to expect appropriate support in accordance with their personal and social development with regard to their involvement in the game of basketball.

All those involved in the planning, development, management and delivery of basketball to children, young people and adults at risk have a duty to ensure that all participants are:

Coached and trained by appropriately qualified people in a safe and fun environment
Actively encouraged to participate in basketball at an appropriate level for their age and ability
Provided with opportunities to participate in games and training sessions as appropriate to the age and ability of the individual
Not subjected to abuse and/or poor practice from any source
Not subjected to bullying or undue pressure
Supported to play an active role in the community, both in and out of the sporting environment

Breaches to the Codes of conduct may result in disciplinary action from BBF

Embedding British Basketball Federation’s Mission and Values

The British Basketball Federation is committed to enabling a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment across our sport. Our mission to transform people’s lives through basketball threads through all aspects of participation; from training to competition, supporters to
players, from domestic to international competition.

Our values symbolise our unique DNA and the culture of British Basketball Federation– the values of pride, grit, united and drive, will be considered in the execution and interpretation of all policies and governance.

British Basketball Federation’s policies support the delivery of world-class governance across the sport and enable the realisation of our commitment to safely and inclusively engage with all participants and deliver both the mission and values of this outstanding sport.

3.Data Notice

Personal Data will be handled during the implementation of British Basketball Federation’s policies. This Personal Data will be managed in line with British Basketball Federation’s Privacy Notice.

Please note that there will also be instances where personal data will be shared with third parties outside of British Basketball Federation, either in carrying out our legal responsibilities or in retaining professional support.

Where the implementation of the Policy concludes in the imposition of sanctions, the individuals name, violation and sanction will be shared with interested parties (inside and outside of the sport) and via the British Basketball Federation website.

Code of Conduct for Coaches
Principle Actions that Coaches should have following Rights:

Create an environment free of fear and harassment for all participants
Educate athletes as to their responsibilities in contributing to a safe environment
Direct comments or criticism relative to performance and not the participant
Encourage athletes to accept responsibility for their own behaviour
Be fair, honest and considerate to participants
Recognise the rights of participants to be treated as individuals
Consider the athlete’s future health and well-being as foremost when making decisions
Promote the concept of a balanced lifestyle, supporting the well-being of the athlete both in and out of the sport
Promote the welfare and best interests of their athletes
Ensure that training and playing demands are reasonable dependent upon the age, maturity, experience and ability of the players
Maintain appropriate confidentiality in line with guidance
Consider own and fellow participants health & safety prior to attending and during basketball activity

Relationships:

Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect
Maintain professional boundaries with participants
Not engage in behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse or harassment (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying etc.)
Not engage in sexual activity and/or have intimate relationships with anyone aged 17 and under
Not communicate directly with children and young people aged 17 and under by phone or social media
Familiarise yourself with the signs/indicators of abuse and report all concerns to the BBF Lead Safeguarding Officer or Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately
Communicate with officials in a respectable manner

Responsibilities – personal standards

Project a positive and professional image of yourself and basketball
Promote the reputation of the sport and take all possible steps to prevent bringing it into disrepute
Strive to develop individual and team respect for opponents, officials and coaches
Observe the rules of the game and encourage athletes to adhere to the spirit of the rules
Not engage in violent or threatening behaviour
Never use inappropriate language or gestures
Refrain from posting negative or derogatory comments on social media about other participants

Responsibilities – professional standards:

Maintain affiliation and correct licencing with BBF though annual registration.
Gain BBF coaching qualifications appropriate to the level at which you coach and continue personal and professional growth through training and CPD.
Undergo a DBS check through BBF
Be present at all practices and competitions and, when unable to attend, plan/organise knowledgeable, qualified and safe supervision.
Complete regular risk assessments and minimise possible risks.
Comply with regulations concerning the transfer of players
Abide by and promote anti-doping rules:

(1) agree to be bound by the NGBs anti-doping rules, and
(2) will cooperate with Code-compliant anti-doping investigations and proceedings.

Communicate and cooperate with other organisations and individuals in the best interest of athletes.
Abide by BBF Policies, Procedures, Guidance and Competition Rules
Read and implement good practice as laid out in the BBF Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance
Declare any history or instances where you were disciplined, dismissed, cautioned, warned or convicted of any offence relating to children/young people/adults at risk
Have a knowledge and commitment to equality and diversity issues
Operate in accordance with the BBF Equal Opportunities policy
Never intentionally deceive BBF for Examples include falsifying personal data, deliberately using a photograph of another person, deliberately using another name other than that which is listed on official documentation such as a passport or birth certificate
Never mislead or misrepresent themselves, their club/organization or the sport in any communication, action or expression of opportunity, that might be construed as an act of intentional misrepresentation including but extending beyond Classification
Eligibility.

Code of Conduct for Officials

Principle Actions Rights Officials should:

Protect everyone involved in the game from verbal or physical abuse and threatening or intimidating behaviour
Be fair, honest and considerate to participants
Recognise the rights of participants to be treated as individuals
Maintain appropriate confidentiality in line with guidance
Be fair, honest and unbiased
Consider own and fellow participants health & safety prior to attending and during basketball activity Relationships Officials should:
Develop appropriate working relationships with participants, based on mutual trust and respect
Not communicate directly with children and young people aged 17 and under by phone or social media
Maintain professional boundaries with participants
Not engage in behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse or harassment (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying etc.)
Not engage in sexual activity and/or have an intimate relationship with anyone aged 17 and under
Familiarise yourself with the signs/indicators of abuse and report all concerns to the, BBF Lead Safeguarding Officer or Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately

Responsibilities – personal standards

Project a positive and professional image of yourself and basketball
Conduct yourself in a manner that takes all reasonable measures to protect your own safety and the safety of others
Maintain game commitments
If unable to fulfil an appointment due to exceptional circumstances, inform the Appointments Officer as soon as possible
Arrive to games in due time
Dress appropriately wearing the BBF officials uniform for games and competitions
Promote the reputation of the sport and take all possible steps to prevent bringing it into disrepute
Deal with participants in a respectable manner, even in cases where this courtesy is not reciprocated
Never use inappropriate language or gestures
Not engage in violent or threatening behaviour
Refrain from publicly expressing any criticism of fellow officials
Refrain from posting negative or derogatory comments on social media about other participants and/or British Basketball
Officiate in a totally unbiased manner, making all decisions based on the evidence and without reference to any incidents which may have occurred at an earlier date. At all times officiate within the true spirit of the game

Responsibilities – professional standards

Maintain affiliation and correct licencing with BBF through annual registration
Gain qualifications appropriate to the level at which you officiate and continue personal and professional growth through training and CPD

Declare any history or instances where you were disciplined, dismissed, cautioned, warned or convicted of any offence relating to children/young people/adults at risk
Respond promptly to communication from the Assignment Officer
Decline to be appointed to a match if not completely physically or mentally fit to participate
Claim match fees and expenses no later than two weeks after the date of the game
Read and implement good practice as laid out in the BBF Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance
Abide by and promote anti-doping rules:

(1) agree to be bound by the NGBs anti-doping rules, and
(2) will cooperate with Code-compliant anti-doping investigations and proceedings

Have a knowledge and commitment to equality and diversity issues
Abide by BBF Policies, Procedures, Guidance and Competition Rules
Operate in accordance with the BBF Equal Opportunities policy
Never intentionally deceive BBF for Examples include falsifying personal data, deliberately using a photograph of another person, deliberately using another name other than that which is listed on official documentation such as passport or birth certificate

Never mislead or misrepresent themselves, their club/organization or the sport in any communication, action or expression of opportunity, that
might be construed as an act of intentional misrepresentation including but extending beyond Classification Eligibility.
As well as the statements outlined under ‘officials should’, Referees should:
Complete a self-declaration
Update availability on assignment software regularly
Have a thorough knowledge of the relevant competition rules for every match
Pay proper attention to the noting of disqualification and penalty points etc. on the score sheet
In cases where a participant is disqualified from a match, make a full written report and forward immediately to BBF
Submit match reports, where applicable, as soon as reasonably possible after a match As well as the statements outlined under ‘officials should’, Referees, Commissioners, Statisticians and Table Officials should:
Have a thorough knowledge of the relevant competition rules for every match

Code of Conduct for Players

Principle Actions Rights Players should

Be fair, honest and considerate to all participants
Respect team-mates, the other team, the officials and the coaches
Always respect the official’s decisions
Consider own and fellow participants health & safety prior to attending and during basketball activity

Relationships Players should

Not engage in behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse or harassment (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying etc.)
Develop appropriate relationships, with other participants, team staff and officials
Tell a responsible adult if another young person confides in you and you think they need help
Report any concerns to the the BBF Lead Safeguarding Officer or Designated Safeguarding Officer

Responsibilities – personal standards

Players should

Not engage in hazing, initiations or dares
Observe the rules and spirit of the game
Accept the decisions of the match officials without questions or complaint (let your captain or coach ask the necessary questions)
Abide by and promote anti-doping rules:

(1) agree to be bound by the NGBs anti-doping rules, and
(2) will cooperate with Code-compliant anti-doping investigations and proceedings

Project a positive and professional image of yourself and basketball
Be a good sport, applaud all good performance, whether by your team or by the opponent
Promote the reputation of the sport and take all possible steps to prevent it from being in disrepute
Never use inappropriate language or gestures
Not engage in violent or threatening behaviour
Never bully, spread rumours or tell lies about others
Refrain from publicly expressing criticism of participants
Refrain from posting negative or derogatory comments on social media about other participants

Responsibilities – professional standards

Maintain affiliation with BBF through annual registration
Win or lose with dignity. Shake hands with the opposing team and the officials at the end of every game
Never intentionally deceive BBF for Examples include falsifying personal data, deliberately using a photograph of another person, deliberately using another name other than that which is listed on official documentation such as a passport or birth certificate
Read and implement good practice as laid out in the BBF Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance
Abide by BBF Policies, Procedures, Guidance and Competition Rules
Never mislead or misrepresent themselves, their club/organization or the sport in any communication, action or expression of opportunity, that might be construed as an act of intentional misrepresentation including but extending beyond Classification Eligibility.

Code of Conduct for Contracted Workforce

Principle Actions Rights Contracted Workforce should:

Create an environment free of fear and harassment for all participants
Be fair, honest and considerate to participants
Recognise the rights of participants to be treated as individuals
Maintain appropriate confidentiality in line with guidance
Consider own and fellow participants health & safety prior to attending and during basketball activity Relationships Contracted Workforce should:

Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect
Maintain professional boundaries with participants
Not engage in behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse or harassment (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying etc.)
Not engage in sexual activity and/or have intimate relationships with anyone aged 17 and under
Not communicate directly with children and young people aged 17 and under by phone or social media
Familiarise yourself with the signs/indicators of abuse and report all concerns to the Welfare/Safeguarding Officer, BBF Lead Safeguarding Officer or Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately

Responsibilities – personal standards

Contracted Workforce should:

Project a positive and professional image of yourself and basketball
Conduct yourself in a manner that takes all reasonable measures to protect your own safety and the safety of others
Promote the reputation of the sport and take all possible steps to prevent bringing it into disrepute
Dress appropriately
Not engage in violent or threatening behaviour
Never use inappropriate language or gestures
Refrain from posting negative or derogatory comments on social media about other participants and/or British Basketball

Responsibilities – professional standards

Contracted Workforce should:

Undergo a DBS check through BBF where required
Gain appropriate qualifications
Complete regular risk assessments and minimise possible risks
Abide by BBF Policies, Procedures, Guidance and Competition Rules
Communicate and cooperate with other organisations and individuals in the best interest of participants
Read and implement good practice as laid out in the BBF Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance
Declare any history or instances where you were disciplined, dismissed, cautioned, warned or convicted of any offence relating to children/young people/adults at risk
Have a knowledge and commitment to equality and diversity issues
Operate in accordance with the BBF Equal Opportunities policy
Never intentionally deceive BBF for Examples include falsifying personal data, deliberately using a photograph of another person, deliberately using another name other than that which is listed on official documentation such as a passport or birth certificate
Never mislead or misrepresent themselves, their club/organization or the sport in any communication, action or expression of opportunity that might be construed as an act of intentional misrepresentation including by extending beyond Classification Eligibility.

Code of Conduct for Volunteers
Definitions: Volunteers refers to anyone undertaking non-paid work within basketball clubs or events.

Volunteers in a position of trust are volunteers such as, Committee Member, Coach, Activator, Leader, Team Manager or Event Coordinator. Other roles may be included.

A volunteer who is not in a position of trust will not have unsupervised contact with members or any formal responsibilities.

If you are unsure whether you require a DBS contact BBF’s Lead Safeguarding Officer.

Principle Actions
Rights Volunteers should:

Create an environment free of fear and harassment
Be fair, honest and considerate to participants
Recognise the rights of participants to be treated as individuals
Promote the concept of a balanced lifestyle, supporting the well-being of the athlete both in and out of the sport
Promote the welfare and best interests of their athletes
Maintain appropriate confidentiality in line with guidance
Consider own and fellow participants health & safety prior toattending and during basketball activity

Relationships Volunteers should:

Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect
Familiarise yourself with the signs/indicators of abuse and report all concerns to the BBF Lead Safeguarding Officer or Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately

Volunteers in a position of trust should:

Not engage in behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse or harassment (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying etc.)
Not engage in sexual activity and/or have an intimate relationship with anyone aged 17 and under
Not communicate directly with children and young people aged 17 and under by phone or social media
Maintain professional boundaries with participants

Responsibilities – personal standards

Volunteers should:

Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect
Project a positive and professional image of yourself and basketball
Promote the reputation of the sport and take all possible steps to prevent it from being in disrepute
Be respectful towards other participants
Maintain commitments
Refrain from posting negative or derogatory comments on social media about other participants
Never use inappropriate language or gestures
Not engage in violent or threatening behaviour Volunteers in a position of trust should:

Abide by and promote anti-doping rules:

(1) agree to be bound by the NGBs anti-doping rules, and
(2) will cooperate with Code-compliant anti-doping investigations and proceedings

Encourage athletes to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance in training, participation and competition
Strive to develop individual and team respect for opponents, officials and coaches
Encourage athletes to adhere to the rules and spirit of the game

Responsibilities – professional standards

Volunteers should:

Abide by BBF Policies, Procedures, Guidance and Competition Rules
Read and implement good practice as laid out in the BBF Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance
Never intentionally deceive BBF for Examples include falsifying personal data, deliberately using a photograph of another person, deliberately using another name other than that which is listed on official documentation such as a passport or birth certificate
Never mislead or misrepresent themselves, their club/organization or the sport in any communication, action or expression of opportunity, that might be construed as an act of intentional misrepresentation including but extending beyond Classification Eligibility.

Volunteers in a position of trust should:

Have a knowledge and commitment to equality and diversity issues
Operate in accordance with the BBF Equal Opportunities policy
Declare any history or instances where you were disciplined, dismissed, cautioned, warned or convicted of any offence relating to children/young people/adults at risk
Maintain affiliation with BBF though annual registration
Undergo a DBS check through BBF where appropriate
Hold appropriate qualifications
Educate participants as to their responsibilities in contributing to a safe environment Ensure that all activities are suitable for the age, experience and ability of the athletes

Code of Conduct for Parents, Carers and Spectators
Principle Actions Relationships Parents, Carers and Spectators should:

Report any concerns to the the BBF Lead Safeguarding Officer or Designated Safeguarding Officer
Not engage in behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse or harassment (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying etc.)
Develop appropriate relationships, based on mutual trust and respect
Consider own and fellow participants health & safety prior to attending and during basketball activity

Responsibilities – personal standards

Parents, Carers and Spectators should:

Create an environment free of fear and harassment
Promote the reputation of the sport and take all possible steps to prevent it from being in disrepute
Never use inappropriate language or gestures
Discourage unfair play
Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding good performances of all
Never argue with officials
Never punish or belittle an athlete for losing or making mistakes
Publicly accept officials’ judgements
Challenge poor practice and improper conduct though the appropriate channels
Not engage in violent or threatening behaviour
Refrain from posting negative or derogatory comments on social media about other participants Parents and Carers should Encourage your child to abide by and promote anti-doping rules:

(1) agree to be bound by the NGBs anti-doping rules, and
(2) will cooperate with Code-compliant anti-doping investigations and proceedings

Encourage your child to learn the rules
Encourage your child to respect their teammates, the opposition and officials
Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results
Never force your child to take part in sport
Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy basketball
Encourage and guide performers to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour

Responsibilities – professional standards

Parents and Carers and Spectators should:

Read and implement good practice as laid out in the BBF Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Guidance
Abide by BBF Policies, Procedures, Guidance and Competition Rules
Never intentionally deceive BBF for Examples include falsifying personal data, deliberately using a photograph of another person, deliberately using
another name other than that which is listed on official documentation such as a passport or birth certificate
Never mislead or misrepresent themselves, their club/organization or the sport in any communication, action or expression of opportunity, that might be construed as an act of intentional misrepresentation including but extending beyond Classification Eligibility.

Spectator behaviour will ultimately be the responsibility of the team they are affiliated with.

Glossary

BBF Lead Safeguarding Officer: The person who has responsibility for ensuring that BBF’s safeguarding policy is adhered to.

CPD: CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It refers to the process for tracking and documenting the skills, knowledge and experience gained formally and informally.

DBS check: A check made on the criminal record of someone applying for or continuing a role. Roles such as coach and Welfare Officer where you a regularly interacting with children or adults at risk will require a DBS check.

Designated Safeguarding Officer: A designated safeguarding officer is the person who has responsibility for ensuring the safeguarding policy is being adhered to for example at and event.

Participant: Anyone involved in basketball including athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, carers, spectators. This list is not exhaustive.

Officials: This includes referees, umpires, table officials, statisticians, classifiers. This list is not exhaustive.

Volunteers: This includes anyone undertaking non-paid work within basketball clubs or events.

Volunteers in a position of trust: Volunteers such as, Committee Member, Coach, Activator, Leader, Team Manager or Event Coordinator. Other roles may be included.

BBF Document Control Procedure
Document Name	Codes of Conduct
Version	1.0
Date Updated	October 2023

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