Communication and Behaviour Expectations

Following on from last weeks communication workshop I have put together a directive that I ask to be followed for acceptable and unacceptable player / coach / spectator behaviour.

As referees we are an important part of the game but we should not be subjected to abuse in what we are doing out on court. Most of us do this for fun and we enjoy what we do, basketball is a game of emotion and we are exposed to this emotion from participants as they will see the game with their hearts, as officials we see the game with our eyes.

It is our job to defuse this emotion if it is starting to go from emotion to abuse.

With the assistance of Basketball Victoria and the TOC I have put together what I expect from participants and spectators as to what is acceptable and not acceptable behaviour.

After reading the behaviour directive (document attached at the bottom of this page) I would like for you to think about how would you handle different conflict situations. Over my time as a referee I have found that there are 4 ways in which to respond to players and coaches:

Ignore - Acknowledge - Warn - Penalise

Ignore: Statements - "How long" "3 seconds" "Over the back" "That's a foul"

Acknowledge - A simple wave a head nod or short response to a player or coach asking "Can you please watch how long the blue player is in the key for" "Please can you watch for red players hand checking". Continued and repeated responses like this will lead to step 3, warning.

Warning - Can be issued for the following

• Continuing to discuss calls after the referee has responded

• Holding arms in the air after a call for a prolonged period

• Attempting to demonstrate actions such as travelling etc.

• Repeatedly asking questions, making comments, or gesturing in response to calls.

In the examples above referees will attempt to issue a warning to the player or coach although they are not required to do so.

Penalise -

• Wave offs, aggressive or excessive motioning of the arms

• Aggressive hand claps directed at an official or showing resentment for a call / no call

• Running towards or aggressively approaching a referee

• Shouting a reaction to a call / no call using a profanity

• Extended or prolonged complaining about a call / no call after being told to stop.

• Not responding to a warning by repeating the action (or some other disrespectful action)

Participant Behaviour and Communication