Community Competition

Behaviour Warning Cards, Coming to SPBA Courts This Season

How the Warning Card Works

Warning Card Issued Negative, inappropriate, abusive or disruptive behaviour receives one first and only warning

Further Action If it continues, a technical foul may be issued against the team, and/or the individual may be asked to leave the venue

Protecting the Game We Love

Southern Peninsula Basketball Association is introducing Behaviour Warning Cards across all Community Competitions this season, junior and senior.

Basketball means a lot to this community. We see it every weekend: the cheering, the nerves, the pride. That passion is exactly why we want every court to stay a safe, respectful space for the people who make the game possible, our officials, players, coaches and families.

What Is a Behaviour Warning Card?

The Behaviour Warning Card is a simple, visible way of upholding the SPBA Code of Conduct that's always applied at our games. If comments, gestures or actions directed at officials, players, coaches or spectators cross the line into negative, inappropriate, abusive or disruptive behaviour, a warning card will be issued.

It's a first and only warning. If the behaviour continues, a technical foul may be issued against the team, and/or the individual may be asked to leave the venue.

Nothing about the rules is changing. What's new is a clear, consistant warning step before any further action is taken.

Why We're Doing This

This isn't about dampening passion for the game. It's about backing the referees who show up seven days a week so every game can go ahead, supporting the coaches and team managers who keep community basketball running, and making sure every junior player gets to enjoy basketball in an environment their family is proud of.

It's also not a response to any one incident, team or individual. It's a season-wide standard that applies the same way across every SPBA court.

What This Means for You

The same Code of Conduct that has always applied to SPBA games now has a clear, consistent warning step before further action is taken.
Coaches and team managers will be briefed ahead of the season and can answer any questions for their team.
Posters explaining the process will be visible at all SPBA venues from the start of the season.

For Club Delegates and Team Managers

Please share this with your teams ahead of each season, so nobody is caught off guard. You don't need to enforce anything yourself. Officials manage it on court, we just want everyone informed. If you have questions, contact competitions@sthpen.com.au.