THE STATE OF PLAY | NEWSLETTER # 25

Hello friends,

We've just released part 6 of our ‘Sport at the Crossroads’ series, where Patrick Skene explores how different sports codes and associations tackle the abuse of officials. This time, we spotlight Basketball.

Thanks to the three current and former match officials who contributed to the article, we have some fascinating insights:

• Basketball's in-tight, tinderbox atmosphere means that match officials are unnervingly close to the action, including to the players, coaches and spectators.
• Under 12's are a significantly more challenging age group to officiate due to parental involvement and abuse. 
• The Over 35's are another group where talk-back and abusive chatter is rampant. 
• Basketball referees in the USA are now getting Indemnity Insurance as more and more players are suing for incorrect decisions that result in lost opportunities for career progression.
• Associations are mandating that elite players referee at least three matches to understand better what it's like. 
• Coaching referees is crucial. Inexperienced officials often wear alternative-colour shirts (similar to "L" plate car drivers).  
• Linking poor parent behaviour to a points deduction for their kid's team or even game suspensions. 

Check out the full article here: 
Sport at the crossroads: Basketball's battle against referee abuse

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We've released a couple of new episodes for our podcast, Smart Plays!  

Combatting online abuse with AI with guest Matt Von der Muhll, Respondology

Changing club culture: Pemulwuy Shield with guest Daniel Bourke, Balmain Australian Football Club

Tarik Bayrakli
Manager, Club Respect

LATEST RELEASE IN THE 'SPORT AT THE CROSSROADS' SERIES

Part 6: Basketball's battle against referee abuse | Club Respect
By Patrick Skene

From death threats to sideline showdowns, basketball officials face escalating abuse. Discover the shocking stories from the court in our latest 'Sport at the Crossroads' article by Patrick Skene. 

Great insights from the people on the ground who contributed their time to the article: Jon Chapman, Steve Clark and Toni Caldwell.

CLUB DEVELOPMENT & KNOWLEDGE

Advancing Women in Sport Podcast Report – Season 2
By Michelle Redfern

In season 2 of the Advancing Women in Sport podcast, Michelle lifted her eyes and shifted her focus to the whole sports system, with guests agitating, advocating, and activating for gender equality. Check out the latest findings here. 

Also, you can check out the chat with Michelle Redfern and Club Respect Manager Tarik Bayrakli here.  

Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport and Recreation
Safe Space Legal

Join Patrice Fitzgerald and Dr Mary Woessner for an exclusive free training session that equips you with the insights and strategies necessary to enhance safeguarding practices in your organisation. This webinar is for anyone working or volunteering in sport and recreation organisations and organisations that offer sporting services, including schools, local councils, religious institutions, camps, and family services. 

TOP POSTS ON CLUB RESPECT SOCIALS

Check out our (mainly) LinkedIn and (sometimes) Facebook and Twitter social media posts and join in the conversations! 

Australian Men’s Cricket wicket keeper Alex Carey endured a cruel and relentless stream of vile online abuse, including direct attacks towards his family, in the aftermath of a controversial Ashes dismissal. Adding fuel to the fire was a rumour circulating that Carey had walked out of a haircut without paying, which was later confirmed to be a case of mistaken identity.

These incidents played into a narrative that Carey was unethical and lacked integrity. The abuse was overwhelming.

He was forced to shut down his Instagram account while Cricket Australia’s cyber police unit investigated the deluge of abuse that came his way.

Professional athletes have got thick-skins and must build resilience to opinionated commentary in their public-facing professions. But without protections, the abuse and venting of frustrations could lead to a tragedy in the real-world.

🔗 Herald Sun: “Ashes 2023: Police step in over vile abuse directed at Alex Carey and family after Bairstow incident”

#ClubRespect #Abuse #Carey #Ashes #OnlineSafety #Cricket

We respectfully acknowledge the wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their custodianship of the lands and waterways.