STARS Basketball Club Code of Conduct

Our Commitment

At STARS Basketball Club, we believe basketball is about more than what happens on the court. It is about building confidence, developing skills, creating friendships and being part of a supportive team and community.

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment where every player can enjoy basketball, develop their abilities and feel valued and respected.

Everyone involved with STARS Basketball Club – including players, coaches, team managers, parents, guardians, volunteers, officials and spectators – shares responsibility for creating a positive club culture built on respect, inclusion, teamwork and good sportsmanship.

Together, we are committed to ensuring every person involved with our Club has a safe, enjoyable and rewarding basketball experience.

Club Expectations

All members of the STARS Basketball Club community are expected to:

• Demonstrate respect, integrity and good sportsmanship at all times.

• Treat all participants fairly and respectfully, regardless of age, ability, gender, cultural background, religion or personal circumstances.

• Play and compete within the rules and spirit of basketball.

• Encourage effort, learning, teamwork and enjoyment.

• Support an environment free from bullying, discrimination, harassment, abuse or intimidation.

• Respect referees, opponents, coaches, volunteers and spectators.

• Use positive, respectful and appropriate language and behaviour.

• Respect Club and venue facilities, equipment and property.

• Represent STARS Basketball Club positively both on and off the court.

The privilege of wearing the STARS uniform comes with the responsibility to uphold the values of our Club. When wearing the STARS uniform or representing the Club at games, training, events, tournaments or in the wider community, members are ambassadors for STARS and are expected to demonstrate respect, sportsmanship and appropriate behaviour – including online.

Be a STARS Player

When you wear the STARS uniform, you are part of something bigger than yourself. Every STARS player is expected to:

Be Ready

Arrive on time, prepared and ready to give your best effort at training and games.

Be Coachable

Listen to your coaches, accept feedback and always look for ways to improve.

Be Respectful

Treat teammates, opponents, referees, coaches and volunteers with kindness and respect.

Be a Teammate

Encourage others, include everyone and help create a positive team environment.

Be a Good Sport

Accept decisions, play fairly, win with humility and lose with respect.

Be Proud

Represent yourself, your team and STARS Basketball Club in a way that makes everyone proud.

Coaches and Team Managers

Coaches, assistant coaches and team managers play an important role in shaping the experience of every player and are expected to:

• Put the safety, wellbeing and development of every player first.

• Create a positive, inclusive and welcoming environment where every player feels valued.

• Treat all players fairly, without favouritism, discrimination or bias.

• Encourage effort, teamwork, learning and good sportsmanship ahead of winning.

• Be positive role models through their behaviour, language and attitude.

• Communicate clearly, respectfully and constructively with players, parents, referees, volunteers and opposition teams.

• Support and promote the Club's Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct.

• Provide safe, organised and appropriate training and game environments.

• Respect referee decisions and model appropriate behaviour at all times.

• Never use abusive, intimidating or inappropriate language or behaviour.

Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians play an important role in creating a positive basketball experience and are expected to:

• Encourage all players and celebrate effort, improvement and teamwork.

• Support coaches in their role and allow them to coach during training and games.

• Respect referees, coaches, volunteers, players and opposition teams at all times.

• Refrain from coaching from the sidelines or criticising players, officials or volunteers.

• Raise concerns respectfully through the appropriate Club processes rather than during or immediately after games.

• Set a positive example through behaviour, language and sportsmanship.

• Recognise and appreciate the time and commitment of Club volunteers.

• Help create a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for every player and family.

Spectators

All spectators are expected to:

• Encourage all players in a positive and respectful manner.

• Respect referees and accept their decisions without abuse or confrontation.

• Refrain from offensive, abusive, intimidating or aggressive behaviour, including from the sidelines or online.

• Applaud effort, teamwork, fair play and good sportsmanship from both teams.

• Respect coaches, volunteers, players and other spectators.

• Help create a safe and welcoming environment where children can enjoy participating in basketball.

• Remember that basketball is a game for the players — let them play, learn and enjoy the experience.

Child Safety

STARS Basketball Club is committed to providing a safe environment where every child and young person is valued, respected and protected from harm.

Children and young people have the right to feel safe, be heard, be respected and participate in an environment that supports their wellbeing.

Everyone involved with the Club shares responsibility for child safety. Players, coaches, team managers, officials, volunteers, parents and spectators are expected to contribute to a culture where children feel safe, supported and included.

STARS Basketball Club has zero tolerance for:

• Child abuse, neglect or exploitation.

• Bullying, harassment, intimidation or grooming.

• Discrimination, vilification or any form of abuse.

• Inappropriate physical, verbal, written or online behaviour towards a child or young person.

• Any behaviour that places a child or young person at risk of harm.

All coaches, team managers, committee members, officials and volunteers who require a Working with Children Check (or equivalent clearance) must hold and maintain a current, valid clearance before undertaking their role.

Any concerns regarding the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person must be taken seriously and reported in accordance with the Club's Child Safety Policy and relevant legal obligations.

The safety and wellbeing of children will always be the Club's highest priority.

Respectful Behaviour and Zero Tolerance

STARS Basketball Club is committed to creating a safe, respectful and positive environment for all players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and spectators.

Abusive, threatening or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.

This includes:

• Verbal abuse, insults, threats or intimidation.

• Aggressive or confrontational behaviour.

• Discriminatory, offensive or inappropriate language.

• Physical misconduct or behaviour that places others at risk.

• Any behaviour that negatively impacts the safety, enjoyment or wellbeing of others.

Everyone involved with STARS is expected to show respect, demonstrate good sportsmanship and contribute positively to our Club culture.

Online and Social Media Behaviour

The expectations outlined in this Code of Conduct apply both in person and online.

Players, parents, coaches, volunteers and spectators are expected to communicate respectfully through social media, messaging platforms, email and other online channels.

Members must not:

• Post or share offensive, abusive, threatening or discriminatory content.

• Publicly criticise or target players, coaches, referees, volunteers or opposition teams.

• Share images, videos or personal information of children without appropriate consent.

• Use online platforms in a way that damages the reputation, safety or wellbeing of STARS Basketball Club or its members.

Concerns or complaints should be raised directly with the Club through appropriate channels rather than through social media or public forums.

Communication

Everyone involved with STARS Basketball Club is expected to communicate respectfully and constructively.

• Concerns should be raised calmly and through the appropriate Club processes.

• Coaches should not be approached immediately before or after games regarding complaints, selections or performance concerns.

• Players should be encouraged to speak with their coach, parent/guardian or a trusted Club representative if they have concerns.

• Everyone should respect the time, effort and commitment of Club volunteers.

Breaches of the Code

All participants are expected to comply with this Code of Conduct at all times.

Where a participant breaches this Code, the STARS Basketball Club Committee may investigate the matter and take appropriate action, considering the nature, seriousness and circumstances of the behaviour.

The Committee may refer matters to the relevant basketball association, governing body or statutory authority where required.

Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to:

• Verbal or informal warning.

• Written warning.

• Behaviour agreement or conditions of continued participation.

• Suspension from training, games or Club activities.

• Removal from a coaching, team management, volunteer or committee role.

• Suspension or cancellation of Club membership or registration.

• Referral to the relevant association, governing body or external authority.

Serious misconduct, including behaviour that compromises the safety or wellbeing of others, may result in immediate suspension or removal without prior warning.

The Committee will manage breaches in accordance with Club policies and any applicable association requirements. Participants will be provided with an opportunity to respond to concerns raised before a final decision is made.

Acceptance of this Code

At STARS Basketball Club, success is measured not only by the scoreboard, but by the way we treat others, support our teammates and contribute to our community.

Every person involved in our Club plays a role in creating a positive, safe and welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy basketball.

By registering as a player, coach, team manager, volunteer, parent, guardian or member of STARS Basketball Club, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and any related Club policies.