Code Of Conduct
Code of Conduct
Creating a safe, respectful and positive basketball experience for everyone.
Our Expectations
Bedford Eagles is committed to providing an environment where players can learn, compete, develop and enjoy basketball.
Players, coaches, parents, guardians and spectators all share responsibility for creating that environment.
Everyone participating in Bedford Eagles programs is expected to demonstrate respect, sportsmanship, appropriate behaviour and consideration for others at practices, games, tournaments and other Club activities.
Everyone Has a Role
Regardless of their role, Bedford Eagles participants and supporters are expected to:
- Treat players, coaches, officials, volunteers, opponents and spectators with respect.
- Use appropriate and respectful language.
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship in both winning and losing.
- Respect decisions made by game officials.
- Follow Club, league and facility rules.
- Help create an environment free from bullying, harassment, intimidation and discrimination.
- Represent Bedford Eagles positively at practices, games, tournaments and Club events.
Player Conduct
Bedford Eagles players are expected to:
- Treat teammates, coaches, officials, opponents and volunteers with respect.
- Arrive prepared and ready to participate in practices and games.
- Listen to coaches and respond appropriately to instruction and feedback.
- Give a reasonable and consistent effort during practices and games.
- Support teammates and contribute positively to the team environment.
- Use appropriate language and behaviour on and off the court.
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship regardless of the score or outcome.
- Respect team equipment, uniforms, gym facilities and the property of others.
- Follow Bedford Eagles, Metro Basketball League and facility rules.
Players should bring concerns to their coach or another appropriate Club representative in a respectful manner.
Parent, Guardian & Spectator Conduct
Parents, guardians and spectators have an important influence on the youth sport environment.
Bedford Eagles expects parents, guardians and spectators to:
- Encourage players positively and recognize effort, improvement and sportsmanship.
- Treat all players, coaches, officials, volunteers and opposing teams respectfully.
- Allow coaches to coach and officials to officiate without inappropriate interference from the sidelines.
- Avoid yelling instructions that conflict with coaching direction.
- Refrain from arguing with, confronting or directing abusive comments toward officials, coaches, players or other spectators.
- Use appropriate language at all Bedford Eagles activities.
- Respect team, Club, league and facility rules.
- Raise concerns through appropriate Club communication channels rather than during or immediately following a game.
- Help children understand that effort, development, teamwork and sportsmanship matter more than the final score.
Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that family members and guests attending Bedford Eagles activities understand and respect these expectations.
Coach Conduct
Bedford Eagles coaches are expected to provide a positive, development-focused environment for their athletes.
Coaches are expected to:
- Treat players, officials, opponents, parents and fellow coaches with respect.
- Provide instruction and feedback in an appropriate and constructive manner.
- Create an environment where players can learn, make mistakes and continue developing.
- Apply Bedford Eagles and league rules consistently.
- Follow the playing-time requirements applicable to the team’s age group and competitive division.
- Promote teamwork, sportsmanship and respect for the game.
- Model appropriate behaviour toward officials, including when disagreeing with a call.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries and professional conduct with athletes.
- Put player safety and well-being ahead of the outcome of a game.
- Address concerns appropriately and communicate respectfully with families.
Respect for Officials
Officials are an essential part of basketball and must be treated with respect.
Players, coaches and spectators may disagree with a decision, but disagreement does not justify abusive language, intimidation, persistent arguing or disrespectful behaviour.
Bedford Eagles expects appropriate conduct toward officials before, during and after games.
Fair Play, Player Development & Playing Time
Playing-time expectations vary by age group and competitive division.
Some divisions operate under mandatory Equal Play or structured shift requirements. In other divisions, including Division 1 and Division 2 Competitive (REP) basketball, playing time is not guaranteed to be equal.
Coaches are required to follow the playing-time framework that applies to their team.
Handling Concerns Respectfully
Questions and concerns are a normal part of youth sport. How they are handled matters.
Families should communicate concerns calmly, respectfully and through the appropriate Club or team channel.
Concerns should not be argued from the spectator area during games or used as a reason to confront players, coaches or officials.
Where a concern cannot be resolved at the team level, families may contact Bedford Eagles through the appropriate Club communication channel.
When the Code of Conduct Is Not Followed
Behaviour that does not meet Bedford Eagles expectations may be addressed by a coach, team representative or the Club, depending on the nature and seriousness of the concern.
Repeated or serious conduct concerns may result in further disciplinary action in accordance with Bedford Eagles policies.
