Violence ‘cannot be part’ of sport, says warning, after spectator brawl spills courtside

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Spectator brawl at N.S. youth basketball game a sign of ‘worsening’ behaviour

Argument between parents escalates to blows during gold-medal basketball game in N.S.

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia’s governing body for the sport of basketball has issued a strong warning about spectator behaviour following recent on-court incidents in youth basketball games.

“The safety and well-being of our players, coaches, officials, and spectators must always come first,” Sarah MacEachern-Wilson, president of the board of directors for Basketball Nova Scotia, said in a statement. “Following a review of certain events at the recent U14 Provincial Club Championships, we are addressing behaviour from some spectators that did not meet safe sport standards.

“Verbal or physical aggression has a real impact on everyone present, especially young athletes, and cannot be part of our sport environment,” she added.

One incident happened March 29 during the gold-medal game of the Under-14 Division 3 Boys Provincial Club Championship, when a physical altercation that involved spectators spilled onto the court during a live game.

In the statement, MacEachern-Wilson said behaviour that includes intimidation, harassment or physical altercations are in direct violation of the sport’s code of conduct and fair play policies.

“Our championships are intended to celebrate the hard work, commitment, and passion of our athletes, coaches, and officials. Every participant deserves to feel safe, supported, and respected. Young athletes rely on the adults around them to model how to handle competition, stress, and disagreement in healthy ways,” added MacEachern-Wilson.

Ed McHugh has been a youth basketball referee for 53 years, and he said he was not surprised to see the statement from Basketball Nova Scotia.

“I see a worsening of fan and coaching behaviour,” said McHugh, who is also a former basketball executive and coach. “We live in a more direct world, where people now say things now that 20 or 30 years ago weren’t acceptable, but now it’s the norm. Everyone has an opinion and they want to express it.”

McHugh added he has concerns about players, coaches, volunteers and officials walking away from the sport because it may be deemed unsafe.

“We lose 80 per of our officials after two years, and the reason is because of fan and some coaching behavior,” said McHugh.

Basketball Nova Scotia will continue to monitor spectator behaviour, and they are urging fans and parents to offer “positive encouragement,” as well as “respect for opponents and officials” when attending future games.

“Individuals who engage in this behaviour will be removed from the facility and may be subject to further disciplinary action, including suspension from future events,” said MacEachern-Wilson.