Fairness & inclusion - Basketball England policies update for 2023/24 season

Basketball England has published new and updated policies for the start of the 2023/24 to support respect, fairness, inclusion and transparency in the sport.  

The new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Policy is applicable for all participants, regional associations, leagues, clubs and staff. It replaces the previous Equal Opportunities and Equity Policy and further strengthens our approach to inclusion.  

Laura Middleton, Safeguarding and Integrity Manager, said:  

“Basketball England is committed to creating a culture where diversity is valued and everyone is treated with respect, fairness and given equal access to opportunities.  

“We have a zero-tolerance stance on all forms of discrimination, harassment and victimisation and encourage anyone who is a victim of this type of behaviour in the sport, or is aware of it, to report to us via our 'Report It' page.  

“Everyone in basketball has a responsibility to read and understand this new policy and play your part in creating safe and welcoming environments for all.” 

BE also would like to remind everyone of the Disciplinary Code which was introduced in 2022. 

The Disciplinary Code - and the Sanction Guidelines which support it - outlines the process for dealing with serious misconduct incidents in the sport, and all members have a duty to refer these behaviours to the BE Integrity Team via our 'Report It' page.  

We also remind clubs they are responsible for ensuring your spectators act appropriately. 

Examples of preventative steps that a Club may take could include:  

  • Parents/carers and spectators signing codes of conduct  
  • Displaying posters around a venue relating to expected behaviour  
  • Regular reminders to spectators and parents/carers of expected behaviour, either via electronic means or in person 

This season BE also has a new Appeals Policy, which sets out our fair and transparent approach to dealing with appeals against decisions. 

.

.