Membership

Everyone involved in basketball must treat others 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. Baltic Stars is opposed to any form of violent, offensive or discriminatory behaviour and will act as necessary to remove individuals from basketball 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.

• Consider the safety and well-being of all individuals in their charge.
• Follow guidance on good practice when working with young people/vulnerable adults and report any concerns for their well-being to the relevant authority or body.
• Ensure that all training and playing demands are not detrimental to the well-being of the players and are reasonable dependents 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.
• 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.
• Hold a clear Enhanced DBS check when in a position of regulated activity.
• Comply with all safeguarding and first aid policies and procedures including submitting Self-Declaration forms.
• 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 EB Compliance Officer.
• Whilst working under the jurisdiction of Basketball England will only coach individuals that are registered / affiliated to Basketball England.
• Be a positive role model.
• Never use foul, sexist or racist language or act in a violent/abusive manner.

All players affiliated with Baltic Stars 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 their teammates and opponents, coaches, club officials and match officials with respect and consideration at all times.
• Not use foul, sexist, racist language or offensive gestures at any time.
• 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 their 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, 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.
• Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance through the whole game, even if it is considered already over.
• Learn to accept victory and defeat with humility and dignity and without excessive emotional displays.
• Work equally hard for themselves and their team.
• Abide by the Basketball England Social Media policy.

All club officials affiliated with Baltic Stars 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 their 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 they have to set a good example of behaviour and conduct at all times and promote ethical principles.
• Ensure that the club is aware of and follows the 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 themselves personally or their 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.
• Always have regard to the best interests of basketball, including 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.

All family/guardians of participants will:

• Teach their 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.
• Encourage all to play by the rules and respect the match officials.
• 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.

All spectators of games under the jurisdiction of Baltic Stars will:

• Do not use offensive, discriminatory or obscene language or gestures.
• Do not harass or verbally abuse players, coaches, match officials or fellow spectators in any form.
• Treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of age, disability, gender, race, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or political affiliation.
• Condemn the use of violence in all forms and refrain from any violent or aggressive behaviour.
• Show respect to opponents and match officials.
• Acknowledge good performance and fair play by opponents as well as by their own team.
• Remember the players are taking part for their enjoyment not theirs.
• Do not ridicule players, who make mistakes.
• Do not over emphasise the importance of winning.
• Do not enter the court unless authorised otherwise.
• Do not shout at officials, coaches, players or other spectators.

There are additional requirements for adults about how to treat young people and how they should treat their peers.

Adults to young people should:

• Be aware of how their language and behaviour may have an effect and ensure they do not use foul language, humiliate or bully any young person.
• Make sure they are fully aware of and follow the latest guidance on working with young people.
• Treat everyone with respect and dignity, recognising the additional needs or disadvantages of those with disabilities or from minority backgrounds.
• Set a good example for young people.
• Make sure disciplinary actions are non violent/humiliating and use rewards, praise and acknowledgment to reinforce good behavior.

Young people to each other should:

• Never bully, spread rumours or tell lies about other young people.
• Welcome and include new players whatever their background or ability is.
• Control their emotions – verbal or physical abuse is not acceptable at any time.
• Not show off or try to humiliate other players.
• Not ridicule or blame teammates who make mistakes.
• Make sure they tell their coach/parents if another young person confides in them and they think they need help.