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 |