Dear coaches, assistant coaches, team managers and parents,

Firstly I’d like to congratulate all teams for a great summer season. It’s been fantastic seeing the kids having a go and enjoying the game. For those teams who’ve made the semi-finals, good luck – play fair, play like a Saint.

Coaching at games
I would like to address an issue that has been plaguing the game of basketball for many years now which is COACHING from the sidelines by parents and spectators.

The ONLY person who should be calling out instructions is the COACH. Not parents, the team manager, relatives or friends.

Now, I know it gets exciting when your child, relative or friend gets their chance to dribble or shot but yelling out instructions is not the right thing to do as the coach may have given the player different instructions.

Coaches are volunteers and put time and effort into teaching players when it’s the right choice to shot or to pass the ball. The coach should be the only person calling out instructions such as:
1: Shoot it
2: Dribble the ball
3: Run or get the ball
4: Pass it

Basketball stadiums are very loud places and having many voices yelling at players:
1: Creates bad habits by players
2: Players don’t know who to listen to
3: Creates confusion.

Parents/Grandparents/relatives and friends are there to support and cheer on the team only.

*To recap: Coaching is for the coach ONLY. *
The coach needs just as much support as the players do and if everyone plays their part everything will run smoothly. Only the main coach can stand, move along the sideline, and call out instructions. All assistant coaches, team managers and spectators must remain seated and refrain from communicating with the players on the court.

Where to sit at games
Parents and other spectators are not allowed to sit on or be anywhere near the player’s bench. The only officials allowed on the bench are:
1: The coach
2: Assistant coach
3: Team manager

Any person considered “on the bench” can be given a technical foul, and this foul will be assigned to the coach.

At some venues (like St Bernard’s College) the seating for spectators is on the same side as the players bench. All spectators should:
1: Not say anything to the referees AT ALL.
2: Give ample room for the coaches to move up and down the sideline.
3: Leave at least 3 chair gap between players and spectators when possible.

Venues like Keilor Stadium have ample seating on the opposite side of the court (away from the player’s bench) for all spectators to sit and watch the game.

In the event there is no room to sit, you can stand and watch, however you must stay away from the areas of the baseline used by the referees.

Impact of spectator altercations for coaches
If any spectator judged as part of the bench gets involved in an altercation with a referee due to a decision they are not happy with and receives a technical foul or bench technical, this will go on the coach’s record for the season. This is a serious offence for the coach. It could result in a suspension from participating in basketball or even coaching games! Upon referee request or venue supervisor initiative, spectators can also be removed from the venue.

I’m sure you’ll agree, this would be extremely embarrassing for your child or relative if you were escorted out of the venue.

And it wouldn’t stop there. Keilor Basketball Association notifies St Christopher’s Basketball Club of any technical fouls given and we investigate further. Repercussions may include a ban on attending games and venues.

In conclusion:
- Active coaching is for the head coach only
- Anyone judged as part of the players bench can be given a technical foul – this will be allocated to the coach.
- Spectator conflict can result in spectators being ejected or banned from games and venues.

You can read more about codes of conduct here: www.stchristophersjbc.com.au/codes-of-conduct/

I invite you to contact me via email coaches@stchristophersjbc.com.au if you have any questions or concerns.

Once again – thanks for a great summer season and all the best for those teams playing in the semis.

Thank you
Coaching coordinator
Chris Scarafilo