Southern Suns Club Policy: Member Participation
The fundamental purpose and principles of the Southern Suns basketball club are based, first and foremost, on the values of respect, accountability, responsibility, acceptance, and empathy. All members, including players, coaches, team managers, parents, administrators, and committee members, share an equal obligation to uphold these values, ensuring the club provides a unique and exceptional basketball environment that represents the interests and values of its members.
Each member of the club must adhere to the minimum standards set by the governing bodies of our sport and relevant agencies, including, but not limited to, Basketball Victoria’s Codes of Conduct, Basketball Victoria’s Member Protection By-Laws, and the Victorian Working with Children legislation.
Furthermore, Southern Suns encourages all members to cultivate a shared set of values that support our principles and set the standard for all levels of our sport. In pursuit of this, we adopt and follow these basic expectations:
1. Support an inclusive sporting environment for all.
2. Maintain honest and transparent communication.
3. Respect the diversity of opinions, experiences, and expectations of others.
4. Provide positive, supportive, and constructive feedback.
On a functional level, our values will be upheld by adhering to the following guidelines:
Guidelines for Parents / Guardians:
1. Ensure financial commitments are met.
2. Maintain active and clear communication.
3. Respect the decisions of coaches, officials, administrators, and the committee.
4. Seek to resolve concerns with understanding and respect, engaging in clear and open communication with coaches, team managers, and club administrators.
5. Refrain from providing specific or technical feedback to players regarding performance or strategy during matches, unless previously discussed and agreed upon.
6. Support the values of club, player, and team development as critical aspects that underpin successful individual growth.
7. Encourage all members to act with integrity and behaviour consistent with the club’s values.
Guidelines for Competitions:
1. Unless advised otherwise, arrive no less than 10 minutes before the scheduled match start time.
2. Scoring duties are a shared responsibility between both teams, including managing the electronic scoring application and stadium scoreboard. Each family is expected to contribute to scoring duties, allocated on a rotational basis by the team manager.
3. Provide coaches and team managers with no less than 24 hours’ notice of non-attendance.
4. All fines incurred by the team due to match forfeits or other league-level infringements shall be payable by all members of that team.
5. Understand and respect that playing time and roles may fluctuate throughout the season. Broadly, the club expects that coaches will provide all players with a fair and equitable opportunity to participate across the course of the season.
6. Support, cheer, and commend fair play and good sportsmanship from all involved. The club does not sanction openly criticizing or undermining coaches, officials, or players. Necessary action may be taken to protect the integrity of the club and its members.