It's OK in the stands at the big games, but some of the behaviour at courtside in the lower grades is starting to worry Basketball Hawke's Bay. Photo / File
It's OK in the stands at the big games, but some of the behaviour at courtside in the lower grades is starting to worry Basketball Hawke's Bay. Photo / File
Basketball Hawke's Bay is taking steps to stamp out poor courtside behaviour after problems at high school games in recent weeks.
In working out "how we can create a better experience" for participants, general manager Nick Hogan's consultation has included checking with Hawke's Bay Rugby Union counterpart Jay Campbell onhow the union has combated behaviour that was a factor in the declining number of referees.
Hogan was well-placed – he's also a rugby referee, and part of the World Rugby Sevens and New Zealand high performance referee panels.
"After numerous sideline behaviour incidents in 2021 Basketball Hawke's Bay is upping its focus on improving this aspect of their game," he said. "With the secondary school season in full swing there has been a concerning trend of incidents that is leading to an unpleasant experience for players and referees."
He said BHB wants to get on the front foot to combat the behaviour, and adds: "We are looking at how we can create a better experience for our participants including players and referees and this starts with the way they are treated by coaches and spectators."
Basketball HB general manager Nick Hogan. Photo / Doug Laing
Among the strategies being planned are removing spectators from immediate courtside where possible, and "a collaboration approach" with Sport Hawke's Bay and secondary school principals in revising judicial processes for those who have transgressed.
"We want to send a clear message that we are serious about cleaning up sideline behaviour and through a range of initiatives, including tidying up our own processes, we are in a far better position to clamp down on behaviour before it gets any worse," Hogan said.
"Community sport is all about having a fun and enjoyable experience and if we don't look to do anything about this current climate of behaviour, we risk losing participants from the game."
BHB has also communicated with netball officers to see how they have dealt with similar problems.
Board chairman Keith Price said: "Personally and on behalf of the board I am in full support of the initiatives being taken to improve this area of the game with the goal of making community basketball a more positive experience for everyone involved."
