BASKETBALL AUSTRALIA INTRODUCES COURTSIDING POLICY

The policy reflects Basketball Australia’s position that there is no legitimate purpose for courtsiders to be present at Australian basketball matches.

Under the policy, courtsiders, which includes data scouts, data journalists and data commentators, will be prohibited from basketball venues under the terms of entry or ticketing terms and conditions. The policy also makes it clear that they are ineligible for media accreditation.

Anyone engaging in courtsiding will be asked to leave the venue immediately by local venue or competition managers. They may have their details recorded and be prevented from returning to the venue.

The policy applies to all basketball matches and events conducted in Australia and will be in place for the upcoming SEABL and state league seasons.

“This new Courtsiding Policy makes it clear that courtsiders or data scouts are not a legitimate part of Australian basketball and that they are not welcome at our venues,” said National Sport Integrity Manager, Simon Bishop.

“It is important that we take steps to reduce instances of courtsiding by empowering local venue and competition managers to act to remove those engaging in this illegitimate conduct, which often makes our participants and spectators uncomfortable.”

“This new policy is an important part of our National Integrity Framework that will help to reduce unauthorised international betting markets and protect the integrity of our competitions.”

In consultation with its Constituent Association Members, Basketball Australia has introduced a new Courtsiding Policy as part of its National Integrity Framework.