Code of Ethics and Conduct

This Code of Ethics and Conduct applies to all those involved in the sport of basketball under the Milton Keynes Basketball Association (MKBA). All such individuals have a responsibility to act according to the highest standards of integrity, and to ensure that the reputation of basketball is beyond reproach. This document follows guidelines provided by Basketball England and where items are not included the Basketball England document will be followed.

MKBA is committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of behaviour and conduct at basketball games. The following principles must be adhered to at all times so that basketball can be enjoyed by all and is divided into the following sections:

General principles

All those involved in the club must treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural or social background, sexual orientation, religious belief, political affiliation or any other personal characteristic/feature. MKBA is opposed to any form of violent, offensive or discriminatory behaviour and will act as necessary to remove individuals from the club who do not abide by this Code of Ethics and Conduct.

Everyone involved in basketball, both adults and young people have a responsibility to treat everyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity and fairness. In particular, be aware of the special needs of young people and vulnerable adults, and recognise that some face additional barriers.

Every young person or vulnerable adult involved in the game of basketball should be able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. Allegations of a child protection nature relating to the breaking of this Code of Ethics and Conduct must follow the reporting procedures as contained in the Basketball England Child Protection Policy and Procedures.

1. Coaches

This Code of Ethics and Conduct is an integral part of the Basketball England Coach Education Programme within which all coaches must work. It should be used in conjunction with all other Basketball England policies, procedures or recognised standards. Through this Code of Ethics and Conduct, coaches who are affiliated to Basketball England must accept their responsibility to the participants, their parents and families, to coaching and to Basketball England affiliated associations.

All affiliated coaches agree to:

  • Have a valid registration with Basketball England as a coach.
  • Consider the safety and wellbeing of all individuals in their charge.
  • Ensure their behaviour is not misconstrued or open to allegations of favouritism, misconduct or impropriety.
  • Follow guidance on good practice when working with young people/vulnerable adults and report any concerns for their wellbeing to the relevant authority or body.
  • Uphold the appropriate boundaries in the working relationship between coach and player – especially when one person is aged under 18 years of age or a vulnerable adult.
  • Ensure that all training and playing demands are not detrimental to the wellbeing of the players and are reasonable dependent upon the age, maturity, experience and ability of the players.
  • Ensure their competence and ability is sufficient so that the safety of players is not compromised.
  • Encourage players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
  • Be appropriately qualified as per the requirements of the Basketball England Coach Education Programme and regularly seek opportunities for continued professional development.
  • Respect the rights of players to choose to decline to participate within coaching or playing situations 2.
  • Declare any affiliation, sponsorship or accreditation in a truthful and accurate manner.
  • Be receptive to employing systems of evaluation that include self-evaluation and also external evaluation in an effort to assess the effectiveness of your work.
  • Abide by all rules and policies of Basketball England.
  • Hold a clear DBS check when in a position of regulated activity.
  • Promote prevention and education regarding the misuse of performance enhancing drugs and illegal substances.
  • Declare any history or instances where you were disciplined, dismissed, cautioned, warned or convicted of any offence relating to children/young people/vulnerable adults on a Self Declaration form submitted to the MKBA Welfare Officer.
  • Not attempt to exert undue influences and pressures in order to obtain personal benefit or reward.
  • Must be able to recognise and accept when to refer or recommend players to other coaches or structures.
  • Agree what information what will be treated confidentially (this does not preclude disclosure of information to persons who can be judged to have a right to know such as in matters of discipline, legal and medical requirements or where an individuals health, safety or wellbeing may be at risk).
  • Be a positive role model.
  • Project a good personal appearance of cleanliness and never smoke in the coaching environment, or coach whilst under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance.
  • Never use foul, sexist or racist language or act in a violent/abusive manner.
  • Refrain from undue public criticism of other coaches or match officials.
  • Refrain from posting negative or derogatory comments on social media about other clubs, coaches or officials.
  • Refrain from posting any comments on social media which bring the reputation of MKBA into disrepute.
  • Follow the MKBA Coaches Responsibilities document.

2. Players

All affiliated players agree to:

  • Treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or political affiliation.
  • Treat your team-mates and opponents, coaches, club officials and match officials with respect and consideration at all times – treat them as you would like to be treated.
  • Not use foul, sexist, racist language or offensive gestures at any time.
  • Refrain from undue public criticism of other coaches or match officials.
  • Refrain from posting negative or derogatory comments on social media about other clubs, coaches or officials.
  • Refrain from posting any comments on social media which bring the reputation of MKBA into disrepute.
  • Know and abide by the rules and spirit of the game.
  • Avoid violence and rough play and help injured opponents.
  • Accept the decisions of the match officials without question or complaint (let your captain or coach ask the necessary questions) and avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
  • Abide by the instructions of the coach and club officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code of Ethics and Conduct or the rules of basketball.
  • Not attempt to improve individual performance with the use of banned substances / techniques.
  • Condemn the use of recreation and performance enhancing drugs and abide by all anti-doping requirements.
  • Ensure that the annual membership fee is paid in full by the start of every season unless agreement has been put in place to spread the payment. If the membership fee has not been paid in full by the 15th November, the player will not be eligible to play in league games or training until all arrears payments have been made.
  • Session fees/games fees must be paid in full at each game.
  • Members wishing to pay monthly must pay at the start of each month.
  • All players who have borrowed club kit must return it after the game.
  • Casual players do not pay the membership fee who come to sessions hosted by MKBA will not be insured by Basketball England or be the responsibility of MKBA.

3. Club Officials

All club officials agree to:

  • Treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religious belief or political affiliation.
  • Not use foul, sexist or racist language.
  • Use your official position to take action against any club member or spectator who harasses, abuses or uses foul, sexist or racist language.
  • Accept the responsibilities of the role that you have to set a good example of behaviour and conduct at all times and promote ethical principles.
  • Ensure your club is aware of and follows best practice guidelines to safeguard young people and vulnerable adults.
  • Ensure that proper supervision is provided by suitably qualified coaches and officials who are capable of promoting good sporting behaviour and good technical skills.
  • Ensure all equipment and facilities meet safety standards.
  • Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
  • Encourage all players and coaches to abide by the rules and spirit of the game and do not manipulate the rules in order to benefit yourself personally or your club.
  • Show respect to match officials, coaches, players and others involved in the game.
  • Do not endeavour to influence the result of a game by any actions that are not strictly within the rules.
  • Remember sport is enjoyed for its own sake – play down the importance of awards.
  • Always have regard to the best interests of basketball, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game, others involved and any particular aspect of it.
  • Avoid words or actions, which may mislead a Match Official and accept their decisions.

4. Parents/guardians (and other family members)

All family/guardians of participants will:

  • Teach your child to treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of their age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or political affiliation gender, ethnic origin or cultural background.
  • Support all efforts to remove verbal, physical and racist abuse from basketball.
  • Not force an unwilling participant to take part in basketball.
  • Remember that young people are involved for their enjoyment – not yours.
  • Encourage all to play by the rules and respect the match officials.
  • Never ridicule or shout at a participant for making a mistake or losing a game.
  • Teach that effort and teamwork are as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
  • Remember that young people and vulnerable adults learn best by example.
  • Refrain from publicly questioning the judgement or honesty of match officials.
  • Recognise the value and importance of volunteers in basketball. They give their time, energy and resources to provide recreational activities for others.
  • Not shout abuse at officials, coaches, players or other spectators.

5. Possible Sanctions

In joining MKBA, everyone agrees to abide by this Code of Ethics and Conduct and all of MKBA’s policies and procedures. MKBA therefore has the right to investigate and take disciplinary action against any alleged or suspected breach of this Code of Ethics and Conduct and any breach which may bring the game of basketball into disrepute.

The following sanctions may be imposed at the discretion of MKBA on any individual, coach or player. Sanctions may be used in combination where deemed appropriate and where there has been a repeat offense: A warning a fine, forfeiture of game(s), temporary, permanent or indefinite suspension, removal from post, ban from participating or attending any session or match.