Purpose
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure a safe and positive environment by instituting a Zero Tolerance Policy. Ontario Basketball (OBA) is committed to providing a sport environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. All Individuals will be aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behavior consistent with the values of the OBA. Conduct that violates this Code may be subject to disciplinary action enforced by the OBA’s Discipline and Fair Play committees.
Application of this Code
This Code of Conduct applies to conduct that may arise during the course of OBA business, activities and events. This includes but is not limited to its office environment, competitions, practices, training camps, tryouts, travel and any meetings of the OBA.
Responsibilities
All Individuals have a responsibility to:
a) Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of OBA members and other Individuals by:
i. Demonstrating respect to individuals regardless of body type, physical characteristics, athletic ability, gender, ancestry, colour, ethnic or racial origin, nationality, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, political belief, disability or economic status.
ii. Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees and members.
iii. Consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sport leadership and ethical conduct.
iv. Consistently treating individuals fairly and respectfully.
b) Refrain from any behavior that constitutes harassment, where harassment is defined as comment or conduct directed towards an individual or group, which is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading, or malicious.
c) Refrain from any behavior that constitutes sexual harassment, where sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual comments and sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or conduct of a sexual nature.
d) Comply at all times with the bylaws, policies, procedures, rules and regulations of Ontario Basketball.
Conduct Policy for Member Clubs
Definition
A member club is a registered organization with OBA running basketball programming for youth or adults. It is a requirement of all member clubs with OBA to assume responsibility for the conduct of all athletes, coaches and spectators under their jurisdiction.
Goal Statement
Any member club participating within OBA will be expected to adhere to OBA principles of Fair Play and this Code of Conduct Policy.
Actions
In addition to the responsibilities of the OBA Code of Conduct, member clubs of OBA will:
- Conduct organization as an ambassador of Ontario Basketball.
- Follow all Ontario Basketball policies and procedures.
- Refrain from negative communications with or against any other member club.
- Support the game of basketball.
- Ensure that all athletes and coaches participating in sanctioned competitions are registered members in good standing with Ontario Basketball.
- Avoid spectator-imposed pressures to win.
- Be supportive of the athlete, team, coach, opponents and officials.
- Maintain a supportive, constructive environment for all participants.
- Be a Leader, a positive influence and role model.
Individuals who are witness to any actions contrary to the Conduct Policy for Member Clubs should contact Ontario Basketball’s Commissioner of Fair Play and Resolution.
Conduct Policy for Coaches
Definition
Anyone who participates as a teacher, leader or instructor to train, educate or motivate athletes to compete in an athletic activity.
Goal Statement
Any coach participating in Ontario Basketball sanctioned events will be expected to adhere to Ontario Basketball’s principles of Fair Play and the Conduct Policy for Coaches.
Actions
In addition to the responsibilities of the OBA Code of Conduct, Coaches have added accountability. The coach-athlete relationship is a privileged one and plays a critical role in the personal, sport, and athletic development of the athlete and must not abuse this relationship. Coaches of Ontario Basketball will:
- Be a Leader, a positive influence and a role model.
- Meet all requirements set out by OBA in order to be a certified coach.
- Reward effort, Fair Play and commitment.
- Recognize and respect the differences in all athletes.
- Demonstrate respect for all individuals involved in the game.
- Always consider the physical and emotional well being of the athletes.
- Communicate in a positive and rational manner, and use inoffensive language.
- Respect and coach within the spirit of the game.
- Always attempt to contribute to the betterment of the game of basketball.
Individuals who are witness to any actions contrary to the Conduct Policy for Coaches should contact Ontario Basketball’s Commissioner of Fair Play and Resolution.
Conduct Policy for Athletes
Definition
Anyone who participates in an activity, including but not limited to practices, games and tournaments, is considered an athlete.
Goal Statement
Any athlete participating in Ontario Basketball sanctioned events will be expected to adhere to Ontario Basketball principles of Fair Play and the Conduct Policy for Athletes.
Actions
Athletes will always model mature behaviour consistent with that of Ontario Basketball guidelines. In addition to the responsibilities of the Code of Conduct, athletes of OBA will:
- Adhere to all Fair Play principles.
- Participate to one’s best abilities in all competitions, practices, training sessions, events, or activities.
- Properly represent oneself and not attempt to enter a competition for which one is not eligible, by reason of age, classification, or other reason.
- Participate for the love and enjoyment of the game.
- Respect the efforts and accomplishments of teammates and opponents.
- Respect officials, coaches, spectators and event organizers.
- Respect the facility where the competition is held.
- Respect the rules of the game.
Individuals who are witness to any actions contrary to the Conduct Policy for Athletes should contact Ontario Basketball’s Commissioner of Fair Play and Resolution.
Conduct Policy for Spectators
Definition
Anyone watching a particular athletic activity or event whether sitting or standing is considered a spectator. A spectator may be a parent, a relative, friend, teammate, athlete from opposing team, administrator or coach not directly involved in the game. Spectators are an important part of any athletic activity; however, they are not essential. Spectators should never influence the outcome of an event and must never pose a distraction to athletes, other spectators, timers, score keepers and referees.
Goal Statement
Any spectator watching an OBA sanctioned event will be expected to respect and adhere to the Spectator Conduct Policy.
Actions
In addition to the responsibilities of this OBA Code of Conduct, spectators of athletes and spectators at events will:
- Support the game of basketball.
- Encourage athletes to play by the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
- Stress the importance of participation.
- Avoid spectator-imposed pressures to win.
- Be supportive of the athlete, team, coach, opponents and officials.
- Respect the decisions and judgments of officials and encourage athletes to do the same.
- Maintain a supportive, constructive atmosphere conducive to the athletes’ personal development.
- Refrain from negative communications with athletes, coaches, the scorers’ table or game officials.
- At no time should spectators go on to the basketball court or approach the team bench area. This includes the time when teams enter for warm up until the time when teams leave the court at the end of the game.
Individuals who are witness to any actions contrary to the Conduct Policy for Spectators should contact Ontario Basketball’s Commissioner of Fair Play and Resolution.
Conduct Policy for Officials
Definition
While governed by a separate entity (Ontario Association of Basketball Officials), officials at Ontario Basketball events are participants in enriching the experience of athletes and coaches competing in the game. As such, it is expected they shall exercise a high level of self-discipline, independence and responsibility.
Goal Statement
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish guidelines for standards of conduct for officials who are refereeing OBA events.
Actions
In addition to the responsibilities of this Ontario Basketball Code of Conduct, officials will:
- Be fully aware of both the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner.
- Work with each other and Ontario Basketball in a constructive and cooperative manner.
- Uphold the dignity of the profession in all interactions with athletes, coaches, team managers, scorekeepers, timekeepers, conveners, tournament personnel and spectators.
- Be punctual and professional.
- Conduct all events according to the rules of Ontario Basketball.
Individuals who are witness to any actions contrary to the Conduct Policy for Officials should contact the Executive of the local officiating board.
Note: All OBA Policies and Procedures are available online, including Fair Play Policy – Schedules A & B.
Reviewed October 20, 2021 by Ontario Basketball Board of Directors
Approved November 6, 2014 by Ontario Basketball Board of Directors