Protecting the integrity of the sport
As an athlete it is important to understand that you must comply with several obligations even off the court. For instance, betting can affect you differently than the average person. Since you have influence over games and access to information that other people do not, specific rules and regulations apply to you:
You are not authorized to bet on basketball (even indirectly through another person)
You are not authorized to bet on any sport at a multi-sport event in which you participate
Additionally, you need to be aware of the danger of competition manipulation. The competition manipulation or Match-fixing is an intentional arrangement, act or omission aimed at an improper alteration of the result or the course of a sport competition in order to remove all or part of the unpredictable nature of the aforementioned sport competition. Manipulate a competition kills the competition and can destroy your career if you don’t make the good choices:
It is not rare for basketball players to be approached by someone (through social media or after a training session or a game) proposing money against player’s commitment to act in a certain manner during a basketball game. These persons might not ask for something that appears to be significative at first (e.g. commit a technical fault at a specified time) but accepting this will allow match-fixers to blackmail players into committing additional and potentially more serious alteration of a game.
For the sake of clarity, any predetermined act improperly influencing a game will be sanctioned by FIBA and the sanctions can range from financial fines to life ban from basketball. Additionally, it is important that you always report to FIBA any fact or suspicion concerning match fixing by using the reporting tool on FIBA’s website. A failure to report can be sanctioned, even if you are not involved personally.
By educating yourself about the provisions of the Code of Ethics and Integrity you can safeguard yourself from making mistakes that could harm your career. If you have any questions on integrity, do not hesitate to ask questions or contact your national federation or FIBA. It is always better to ask for advice than to unintentionally break the law.
How can I protect myself from illegal betting and match-fixing?
The consequences of unauthorised betting or competition manipulation, whether intentional or not, can be very serious. Aside from the risk of being sanctioned or entrapped in a criminal network, there is the risk of public humiliation for not only yourself but also for your family and team. There is also a serious chance of your professional career in sports being destroyed. By educating yourself about betting laws and regulations you can make sure to avoid situations that put you or your career at risk.
Know the rules
Always consult the FIBA rules and the potential additional rules issued by the basketball federation of your country.
Never bet on basketball or any multi-sport event you are participating in
As a professional or semi-professional athlete you cannot bet on basketball because of the obvious conflict of interest and the potential inside information you might have access to. If you are sanctioned for unauthorized betting you risk having your image and reputation tarnished, being banned from your sport, losing your job and you may even be subject to a criminal investigation.
Play it safe – don’t bet at all
Betting on other sports may also raise questions. You are likely to be friends with many other athletes and you are therefore best advised not to make any bets on sport to avoid potential problems.
Be careful about handling sensitive information
As an athlete you will have access to information that is not yet available to the general public, such as knowing that your star player is injured or that the coach is putting out a weak side. This is considered sensitive or inside information. This information is likely to be useful for people betting on your sport who want to secure an unfair advantage. There is nothing wrong with athletes having sensitive information; it’s what you do with it that matters. Passing on information to friends, family or others can get you in trouble, even if there is no obvious reward for you.
Absolutely never fix a competition
Whatever the reason, do not fix any aspect of a competition. Do not put yourself into a situation which would bring you, or even force you to adversely influence the natural course of a game.
Report if approached about illegal betting
Whether it’s a straightforward request to fix a game or an indirect proposition for insider information or should you witness suspicious or clear match-fixing activities you have the obligation to always report it. If you feel that something is not quite right, it usually isn’t. Report this information to your coach, lawyer, player association, your national federation or even better, directly on FIBA’s report mechanism tool available on FIBA’s website: http://www.fiba.basketball/integrity .
Please refer to Book 1 chapter 5 for an up-to-date version of the FIBA Internal Regulations governing Betting and Corruption.
Fair Play
Fair play sits at the core of sporting competition. Without fair play the essence of sport is destroyed. This is why FIBA values fair play, and why we hope that each and every basketball player follows the FIBA Code of Conduct both on and off the court.
The concept of fair play is a fundamental part of the game of basketball. It represents the positive benefits of playing by the rules and respecting fellow players, referees, opponents and fans. Fair play is based on integrity, fairness and respect. Fair play captures the sporting, moral, and ethical principles which FIBA stands for and for which it will continue to fight in the future, regardless of the influences and pressures there may be.
The Golden Rules of Fair Play
Playing fair earns respect even when the game is lost, while cheating only brings shame. Remember: it is only a game. And games are pointless unless played fairly.
Play to win but accept defeat with dignity
If you do not play to win, you are cheating your opponents, deceiving those who are watching, and also fooling yourself. Play to win, but learn to lose graciously. Do not blame the referee or anyone else. Good losers earn more respect than bad winners.
Observe the rules of the game
The rules are designed to make the game fun to play and fun to watch. By sticking to the rules, the game will be more enjoyable.
Respect opponents, team-mates, referees, officials and spectators
Fair Play means respect. Referees are there to maintain discipline and Fair Play. Always accept their decisions without arguing, and help them to enable all participants to have a more enjoyable game.
Promote the interests of basketball
Think of basketball's interests before your own and about how your actions may affect the image of the game. Talk about the positive things in the game and encourage other people to watch and play fairly.
Honour those who defend basketball's good reputation
Sometimes somebody does something exceptional that deserves our special recognition. They should be honoured, and their fine example publicised.
Reject corruption, drugs, racism, violence, gambling and other dangers to our sport
Watch out for attempts to tempt you into cheating or using drugs. Treat all players and everyone else equally, regardless of their religion, race, sex, or national origin.
Help others to resist corrupting pressures
You may hear that team-mates or other people you know are being tempted to cheat in some way or otherwise engage in behaviour deemed unacceptable. Do not hesitate to confront them. Give them the strength to resist and remind them of their commitment to their teammates and to the game itself.
Denounce those who attempt to discredit our sport
Do not be ashamed to stand up to anybody who you are sure is trying to make others cheat or engage in other unacceptable behaviour. It is better to expose them and have them removed before they can do any damage.
Use basketball to make a better world
Basketball has an incredible power, which can be used to make this world a better place in which everyone can live. Use this powerful platform to promote peace, equality, health, and education for everyone.