Basketball SA launches SA first Warning Card System to improve sideline behaviour for 2026 District Season & State Championships
Basketball South Australia has today announced a major update to its Behaviour Management Framework, introducing an SA first trial of a new Warning Card System for the 2026 District Season aimed at strengthening positive spectator behaviour and increasing enjoyment of one of the states favourite games for all.
The vast majority of spectators across South Australia already set a positive standard for the game. The introduction of the Warning Card System builds on this culture, providing a clear, consistent and visible process to support respectful behaviour, protect referees, and enable early intervention before issues escalate.
“Basketball is the greatest sport in the world and should be safe, respectful and enjoyable for everyone in the venue, on the court and in the stands,” said Tim Brenton, CEO of Basketball South Australia.
“The Warning Card System we are implementing provides our staff with a clear and consistent process to set expectations, support our referees and address behaviour early, before it escalates,” Brenton added.
Recent referee feedback highlighted the need for stronger, more consistent sideline behavioural tools across our competitions, with feedback stating:
- More than 70% of referees reported experiencing verbal abuse, with spectator behaviour identified as the single biggest challenge to officiating.
- Alarmingly, over 40% of referees under 18 indicated they have considered leaving the sport due to negative behaviour.
- Referees strongly supported the introduction of visible, consistent sanctions to help reduce conflict and support a safer game environment.
This tool and framework are about protecting our sport, supporting players, officials, coaches, and the volunteers who make basketball possible.
How the Warning Card System Works
- Starts Round 1, January 2026 (District Championship Season competitions) and also applies to the 2026 State Championships
- When spectator behaviour begins to breach the Framework, authorised staff may issue a Warning Card to the entire spectator group of a team; a clear, first and only warning
- If behaviour continues, the next offending spectator will be ejected, a Technical Foul is issued to the coach; two free throws and possession of the ball are awarded to the opposing team
- If the incident warrants, Basketball SA staff may bypass the warning and eject immediately
- Coaches and players remain under FIBA rules of behavioural technical fouls
Basketball SA District Clubs play a critical role in this SA-first initiative.
Clubs are key partners in setting the standard to:
- Communicate standards with their members
- Support SSOs and staff when a Warning Card is issued
- Address behaviour early to avoid escalation
- Model respectful, positive spectating
“This will be introduced as a pilot in 2026, informed by outcomes observed throughout the season. Basketball South Australia has zero tolerance for anyone communicating with referees in a negative or intimidating manner, particularly given that many referees are children and young people. Our aim is to reduce poor behaviour and strengthen positive spectator culture while reinforcing our sport as the safest in Australia,” Brenton concluded.
Following Club Communication packs being delivered to Clubs, Eastern Mavericks Club President, Dan Wray, commented:
“The Eastern Mavericks Basketball Club fully support the introduction of the Warning Card System by Basketball SA. Our club community is always behind moves that set clear expectations and provide tools to address poor behaviour, and this initiative delivers exactly that. We want our players, coaches, referees and families to feel safe and respected at every game. The Warning Card System gives everyone a fair, transparent process and reinforces the kind of culture we’re proud to stand behind,”said Wray, President, Eastern Mavericks.
Basketball SA will remain committed to supporting staff, officials and referees, and to ensuring that our game environment is safe, welcoming and fun for our entire community. We all play a role in setting the standard, cheering loudly and acting respectfully.