By-Law Changes Confirmed
Following an extensive consultation process involving members, clubs, staff and other organisations, we are pleased to confirm the following changes to our By-laws which will come into effect from the upcoming domestic season.
Size 5 Basketballs for U12 Domestic
After unanimous support from our member feedback and club consultation, we are pleased to confirm the implementation of size 5 basketballs for our U12 competitions for the upcoming domestic season. This will align with the upcoming Basketball Victoria competitions.
U9 – lowered ring (8ft) & size 5 ball
U10 – regular ring (10ft) & size 5 ball
U12 – regular ring (10ft) & size 5 ball
U14 – regular ring (10ft) & size 6 ball
For more information on this change, view the proposal here
Representative Player Points Rule
Following the member feedback process this rule has been passed with member support of just under 95% of respondents. The domestic clubs at the last club meeting unanimously agreed the need to be a change to the current rules in relation to representative player participation in the domestic competition. This is a step in a positive direction and a change which will be monitored and reviewed after the next season.
The ‘rep player rule’ is now:
Teams may not have more than four junior representative players within a single team.
Teams that exceed this limit of players due to players having been selected to a representative team are exempt if the relevant players have played for the domestic team for two or more consecutive seasons.
Players that play up an age group do not count as a representative player.
Exemptions may be granted to ensure a competitive and fair competition by the SPBA.
For more information on this change, view the proposal here
Gender Rules for U12 and below competitions
Note – this amendment was not open to feedback due to the change is to comply with legislation.
Currently, our By-Laws are in contradiction to the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act 1984 in that children under the age of 12 years old must be allowed to participate in either gendered competition.
Our By-Laws only currently state:
“Ideally we wish to provide single sex competitions however girls can play in boys competitions in Under 9 and Under 10 competitions.”
Section 42 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 states:
It is not “unlawful to discriminate on the ground of sex, gender identity or intersex status by excluding persons from participation in any competitive sporting activity in which the strength, stamina or physique of competitors is relevant.”
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to the exclusion of persons from participation in:
(a) the coaching of persons engaged in any sporting activity;
(b) the umpiring or refereeing of any sporting activity;
(c) the administration of any sporting activity;
(d) any prescribed sporting activity; or
(e) sporting activities by children who have not yet attained the age of 12 years
Change
Delete:
“Ideally we wish to provide single sex competitions however girls can play in boys competitions in Under 9 and Under 10 competitions.” – Page 11
Delete:
“Girls are eligible to play in boys competition” – Page 12
Insert:
“For junior competitions at an under 12 age and younger, children may participate in either gender. For U9, U10 and U12 competitions, competitions will be gendered and it is recommended players participate in the gender they identify as.”