Since our return from lockdown, on and off court behaviour has become a major issue across all age groups in both boys’ and girls’ SBA domestic competitions. Following a detailed review of incidents that have occurred and meeting with our Directors of Coaching and Referee Advisors, the SBA will be implementing the following rules as of Monday 24th April 2023.
- Coaches are not permitted to question or comment on a Referees call during play.
One warning only then a Technical foul: Two shots to the opposing team and possession.
Coaches are permitted to talk to the Referees during time outs and half time only, if they have any issues pertaining to the Referees once the game is completed, they need to speak to the Referee Supervisor, not the Referees. If a team does not have a coach, the team Captain is entitled to the same conditions as a coach.
- Spectators are not permitted to question or comment on a Referees calls during a game. The Referee will stop the game and give a warning in the first instance. If it is repeated, the game will be stopped until the Referee Supervisor can engage with the spectator; at no time during this process will the clock stop.
- Players are not permitted to question or comment on a Referees call at any time.
One warning only then a Technical foul: Two shots to the opposing team and possession.
Players can request that their coach approaches the Referees to discuss a particular call at Time-outs and Half Time only.
- All Technical Fouls called in a game will be recorded by the Referees and logged with the Referee Supervisor at the end of each game; clubs will be provided a weekly update.
- If a player or coach receives more than two Behavioural Technical Fouls per season the following sanctions will apply.
- 2 technical fouls – 1 week suspension
- 3 technical fouls – 2 weeks suspension
- 4 technical fouls – 3 weeks suspension
- 5 technical fouls – The remainder of the current season