In late 2024 after several incidents, the WBA decided to place a renewed focus on strictly enforcing what is already an official rule of the game in relation to spectators sitting on team benches.
We would like to remind all patrons, as we move into 2025 that we will again be ensuring the team benches remain solely for players and coaches, and that no spectators can sit on what is classed as an “official part of the playing area”.
This is a FIBA, BA, BWA and WBA rule and one that should be enforced in any Basketball Australia sanctioned game at any level.
While we recognise that many of our facilities do not have a large amount of spectator seating, our number one concern is the safety and well-being of children both players and referees. While we try and offer some spectator seating at all venues there is no requirement for the WBA or Venue Management to provide spectator seating.
While we understand some of the spectator seating is very close to the team benches and equal distance from players and referees. Having clear separation of the team bench is important for referees, game managers and referee instructors in determining who is officially part of the team and who is a spectator.
Apart from it being an official rule of the game there are also child safeguarding concerns with allowing unknown people to sit on a team bench and potentially interact with children.
All Domestic Club Presidents have been informed and are in support of this rule.
Unfortunately, while enforcing a rule that is ultimately there to protect your children and ensure the best possible game environment for them, some of our WBA staff have been verbally abused, threatened and in one case allegedly physically assaulted.
The WBA will be taking a Zero Tolerance approach to anyone being rude or abusive to our staff in relation to the implementation of this rule.
We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
To follow all the upcoming NBL1 West and Wolves action, head to the Wolfpack’s Facebook & Instagram pages.