skip navigation

Code of Conduct

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure a safe and positive environment. Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association (OSBA) is committed to providing a sport environment in which all Individuals are treated with respect and dignity. All Individuals will be aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour consistent with the values of the OSBA. Conduct that violates this Code may be subject to disciplinary action enforced by the OBA Discipline and Fair Play Committee.

Application of this Code

This Code applies to conduct that may arise during the course of OSBA business, activities, and events, including but not limited to office environment, competitions, practices, training camps, tryouts, travel, any meetings of the OSBA and communications (including social media).

Responsibilities

All Individuals have a responsibility to:

  • Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of OSBA members and other Individuals by:
    • Demonstrating respect to Individuals regardless of body type, physical characteristics, athletic ability, gender, ancestry, colour, ethnic or racial origin, nationality, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, political belief, disability, or economic status.
    • Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees, and members.
    • Consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sport leadership and ethical conduct.
    • Consistently treating individuals fairly and respectfully.
  • Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment, where harassment is defined as comment or conduct directed towards an individual or group, which is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading, or malicious. Including the use of profane language towards individuals.
  • Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment, where sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual comments and sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or conduct of a sexual nature.
  • Comply at all times with the bylaws, policies, procedures, rules and regulations of Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association and the Ontario Basketball Association.

Conduct Policy for Member Schools

Definition:

A member school is a registered organization with the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association participating within the OSBA league. It is a requirement of all member schools within the OSBA to assume responsibility for the conduct of all athletes, coaches, and spectators under their jurisdiction.

Goal Statement:

Any member school participating within OSBA will be expected to adhere to OSBA principles of Fair Play and this Conduct Policy for Member Schools.

Actions:

In addition to the Responsibilities listed in this Code of Conduct, member schools of the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association will:

  • Conduct their organization as an ambassador of Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association.
  • Follow all Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association policies and procedures.
  • Refrain from negative communications with or against any other member school.
  • Support the game of basketball.
  • Ensure that all athletes and coaches participating in sanctioned competitions are registered members in good standing with OSBA.
  • Avoid spectator-imposed pressures to win.
  • Be supportive of the athletes, teams, coaches, opponents, and officials.
  • Maintain a supportive, constructive environment for all participants.
  • Be a leader, a positive influence, and a role model

Conduct Policy for Coaches

Definition:Anyone who participates as a teacher, leader, or instructor to train, educate or motivate athletes to compete in an athletic activity is considered a coach.

Goal Statement:

Any coach participating in Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association sanctioned events will be expected to adhere to Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association's principles of Fair Play and this Conduct Policy for Coaches.

Actions:

In addition to the Responsibilities listed in this Code of Conduct, coaches have an added responsibility. The coach-athlete relationship is a privileged one and plays a critical role in the personal and athletic development of the athlete, and coaches must not abuse this relationship.

Coaches of Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association will

  • Be a leader, a positive influence, and a role model.
  • Meet all requirements set out by OSBA in order to be a certified coach.
  • Reward effort, Fair Play, and commitment.
  • Recognize and respect the differences in your athletes.
  • Demonstrate respect for all individuals involved in the game.
  • Always consider the physical and emotional well-being of the athletes.
  • Communicate in a positive and rational manner and use inoffensive language.
  • Respect and coach within the spirit of the game.
  • Always attempt to contribute to the betterment of the game of basketball.

Conduct Policy for Student-Athletes

Definition:

Anyone who participates in an athletic activity, including but not limited to practices, games, and tournaments, is considered an athlete.

Goal Statement:

Any athlete participating Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association sanctioned events will be expected to adhere to Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association principles of Fair Play and this Conduct Policy for Athletes.

Actions:

Always model mature behaviour consistent with that of Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association guidelines. In addition to the Responsibilities listed in this Code of Conduct, athletes of the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association will:

  • Adhere to all Fair Play principles.
  • Participate to one's best abilities in all competitions, practices, training sessions, events, or activities.
  • Properly represent oneself and not attempt to enter a competition for which one is not eligible, by reason of age, classification, or other reason.
  • Participate for the love and enjoyment of the game.
  • Respect the efforts and accomplishments of your teammates and your opponents.
  • Respect officials, coaches, spectators, and event organizers.
  • Respect the facility you visit or in which you play.
  • Respect the rules of the game.

Conduct Policy for Spectators

Definition:

Anyone watching a particular athletic activity or event whether sitting or standing is considered a spectator. A spectator may be a parent, relative, friend, teammate, opposing player, administrator, or coach not directly involved in the game. Spectators are an important part of any athletic activity; however, they are not essential.

Goal Statement:

Any spectator watching an Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association sanctioned event will be expected to respect and adhere to this Spectator Conduct Policy.

Actions:

In addition to the Responsibilities listed in this Code of Conduct, spectators of athletes and spectators at events will:

  • Encourage athletes to play by the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
  • Stress the importance of participation.
  • Avoid spectator-imposed pressures to win.
  • Be supportive of the athletes, teams, coaches, opponents, and officials.
  • Respect the decisions and judgments of officials and encourage athletes to do the same.
  • Maintain a supportive, constructive atmosphere conducive to the athletes’ personal development.
  • Refrain from attempting to influence the outcome of an event.
  • Never pose as a distraction to players, coaches, game officials, table officials and other spectators.
  • Refrain from negative communications with players, coaches, game officials, the scorers’ table, or other spectators.
  • Refrain from coaching athletes at all times during a competition.
  • Remain in the spectators’ section, and refrain from entering the playing area at all times.

 

Conduct Policy for Officials

Definition:

While governed by a separate entity (Ontario Association of Basketball Officials), officials at Ontario Basketball events are participants in enriching the experience of athletes and coaches competing in the game.

As such, it is expected they shall exercise a high level of self-discipline, independence, and responsibility.

Goal Statement:

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish guidelines for standards of conduct for officials who are refereeing OBA events.

Actions:

In addition to the responsibilities of this Ontario Basketball Code of Conduct, officials will:

  • Be fully aware of both the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner.
  • Work with each other and Ontario Basketball in a constructive and cooperative manner.
  • Uphold the dignity of the profession in all interactions with athletes, coaches, team managers, scorekeepers, timekeepers, conveners, tournament personnel and spectators.
  • Be punctual and professional.
  • Conduct all events according to the rules of Ontario Basketball.

Individuals who witness any actions contrary to the Conduct Policy for Spectators should contact Ontario Basketball’s Commissioner of Fair Play and Resolution.