Grassroots basketball is meant to be a positive environment. Kiwi kids learn a lot from playing our game, including teamwork, winning and losing with integrity, setting goals and putting in the hard work, being responsible for showing up for practice, listening, looking after our team-mates and, most importantly, having fun! It’s also where community-minded people volunteer their time and give back including coaches, referees and game officials. Supporters and spectators are there to support. To be part of it, cheer, support, clap and celebrate. If you’re a good supporter, you’ll know that court-side egos and negativity are not welcome. You’ll keep your actions positive, show your thanks to those who are giving their time to help provide kids with the opportunity to play – Be a great supporter, let them play!
We encourage you to support your team with gusto – but keep it positive. Remember, our sport is largely manned by volunteers and that officials are human. We all make mistakes, but let’s model behaviours’ suitable for kids’ sport. And nobody wants to sit next to an ‘ugly’ supporter!
The messaging will be supported by a process for dealing with inappropriate behaviour. We would rather focus on the desired behaviours, with the process as a back-up when other options have been exhausted.
Schools are to take ownership of your spectators and must educate them on appropriate sideline behaviour and the process that will be adopted. Remember that your spectators are also representing you, when attending a basketball event.
