1. Remember that most people play sport for enjoyment.
People are not playing basketball for the entertainment of spectators nor are many of them professionals. You should be watching basketball for your own enjoyment and to show support for those playing. Help the players to enjoy their game. Applaud good performances from each team. Congratulate all players regardless of the outcome.
2. Accept decisions of all referees as being fair and called to the best of their ability.
Referees and officials have a difficult task to perform. You would not have a game to enjoy without them. They are there to enforce the rules of play but they cannot always be right. Accept bad calls graciously. Abuse of referees is unacceptable behaviour. Spectators who consistently dispute decisions or do not accept bad decisions are bad sports. If you disagree with a decision, accept it graciously – you cannot change it.
3. Always be positive in your support for players.
Never ridicule or shout at a player, particularly a young player for making a mistake during competition. Positive support for players will offer encouragement to them and most likely spur them to better things on the court.
4. Condemn the use of violence in any form.
Never encourage players to engage in violence or engage in it yourself. Violence has no place in basketball and strong action should be taken to discourage it.
5. Respect your team’s opponents, officials and spectators.
Without your team’s opponents, there would be no game. Their supporters are there to enjoy the game as much as you are. Light-hearted banter with an opposing spectator can add a further element of fun to a game. Conversely, nasty or inappropriate behaviour or remarks will seriously detract from it.
6. Encourage players to obey the rules and to accept decisions of officials.
Often players can get carried away when spectators become enthusiastic or heated over an issue. This can be a positive but it can also be negative when it involves such behaviour as disputing decisions. Always encourage players to obey the rules and do not dispute referees’ decisions.
7. Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language or harassing players, coaches or officials.
Anti social behaviour such as foul or abusive language has no place in basketball. If others engage in it, just ignore them – they will soon tire of it if they get no reaction. Alternatively, ask them politely to desist. If it continues and it is serious, bring it to the attention of an official.