BROWNSBURG JR BASKETBALL LEAGUE REFEREE ABUSE POLICY
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY OF REFEREE ABUSE
Purpose: Ensuring a fair, safe, healthy, and fun game environment is our top priority.
As such, Brownsburg Jr Basketball League (BJBL) has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of abuse or misconduct directed at BJBL referees. This policy aims to create a safe and respectful environment for referees to officiate games, ensuring their well-being and promoting fair play within the sport.
This policy has been implemented to eliminate referee abuse, both physical and verbal, and to discourage public dissent against a referee in all gyms. Although public dissent may not be considered abuse, it does not align with BJBL’s principle of positive coaching and good sportsmanship; therefore, it will not be tolerated.
This policy is not intended to imply that the BJBL referee is always right and the player, coach, parent, or spectator is always wrong. We must simply remember that just as youth players will make mistakes during play, referees will also make mistakes in officiating. Therefore, it is in all our best interests to judge officials fairly and with reasonable expectations.
Definitions:
Referee: A person responsible for officiating BJBL games, ensuring fair play, and enforcing the rule of BJBL.
Abuse: Any action, verbal or physical, that is harmful, disrespectful, or threatening towards a referee.
Zero Tolerance Policy:
- Any form of abuse or misconduct towards a BJBL referee will not be tolerated.
- All individuals participating in BJBL basketball games, including players, coaches, parents/guardians, spectators, and officials, are expected to adhere to this policy.
- No exceptions or justifications will be accepted for any abusive behavior towards BJBL referees.
Prohibited Behaviors:
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate consequences:
- Verbal abuse: Using foul language, derogatory remarks, insults, or personal attacks towards BJBL referees.
- Threats: Making physical or verbal threats, including gestures, towards BJBL referees.
- Physical contact: Engaging in any physical contact with a referee, including pushing, shoving, or intentionally bumping into them.
- Harassment: Repeatedly targeting and intimidating a BJBL referee, causing emotional distress.
- Discrimination: Engaging in any discriminatory behavior, including but not limited to: racial, ethnic, gender-based, age, or religious discrimination towards BJBL referees.
Reporting Procedure:
- Any incident of abuse or misconduct towards a BJBL referee should be immediately reported to a BJBL Board member within 24 hours of the incident’s occurrence (where possible).
- The person reporting the incident should provide a detailed description of the event, including the date, time, location, individuals involved, and any witnesses.
Investigation and Consequences:
- The reported incident will be thoroughly investigated by the Brownsburg Jr. Basketball League Disciplinary Committee (made up of the League President and at least two Executive Board members) before the next regularly scheduled game (if possible).
- If the investigation confirms the occurrence of abuse or misconduct,
- The following will be the penalties:
1st Incident - Disciplinary Committee reprimand orally and/or in writing.
2nd Incident - 3 game suspension for a coach/adult team member; 3 games for parent/spectator regardless of history, coaching experience or
program involvement. This suspension will be IN ADDITION to any suspension due to an ejection from a game.
3rd Incident - Season-ending ban for any offending person. (Includes attendance at remaining games in all gyms) and potentially banned
for future seasons.
- The offending parties, and the BJBL Board of Directors will be notified of the disciplinary actions.
- Additional penalties/clarifications:
If a coach, player, parent, or spectator confronts a BJBL referee after a game to continue verbally abusing an official, the penalties will include a 3-game suspension for the 1st incident and 6 games for the 2nd.
Any incident that involves threatening bodily harm or intentional and threatening physical contact (such as, but not limited to: poking, shoving, bumping or harming) a referee will result in an immediate indefinite suspension and notification of proper authorities, where appropriate.
- A manager or coach wishing to be reinstated must appear before the BJBL Disciplinary Committee for a hearing.