Harrassment or Abuse

    Harassment or Abuse in Basketball

    Everyone in basketball has the right to participate in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Harassment and abuse can happen on or off the court, in person or online. All forms of harassment or abuse are strictly prohibited by FIBA and can result in disciplinary measures, including suspension, fines, or other sanctions. Players have the right to report any behavior that threatens their safety or wellbeing, and they should never feel afraid to do so.

    4 Different Types of Harassment or Abuse

    Harassment and abuse occur when someone intentionally or recklessly harms, humiliates, or exploits another person. It can take many forms, often involving a power imbalance (e.g., coach and player, administrator and volunteer).

    The four main forms of harassment and abuse are (sometimes, victims may suffer two or more types at the same time):

    Neglect

    Neglect occurs when a player’s basic needs—physical, emotional, or educational—are ignored. Examples include denying access to necessary medical care, insufficient supervision, or failing to provide proper guidance and support. While less obvious than other forms, neglect can have serious long-term effects on development, wellbeing, and a sense of safety within the basketball environment.

    Emotional / Psychological Abuse

    This form of abuse includes persistent criticism, humiliation, threats, intimidation, or manipulation. It may appear as verbal insults, shaming a player publicly, or constant comparison with teammates to undermine confidence. Emotional abuse can affect self-esteem, mental health, and even performance, creating a fear-based environment where the player feels unsafe or powerless.

    Physical Abuse

    Physical abuse includes hitting, pushing, kicking, or any use of force that causes injury or pain. It can also involve forcing players to perform unsafe practices, excessive training, or overexertion beyond their limits. Repeated minor acts—like shoving or overly harsh corrections—can have a lasting impact on a player’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

    Sexual Abuse

    Sexual abuse or harassment includes unwanted sexual activity, touching, comments, gestures, or advances. It can also include exposing someone to sexual content without consent, coercion, or exploitation of trust. Even “seemingly minor” inappropriate jokes or gestures can be part of a larger pattern of abuse. The key factor is that the behaviour is unwanted, non-consensual, and can create a hostile or unsafe environment.

    Other Concepts

    Online Abuse

    Digital tools have made harassment and abuse easier and harder to escape. Online abuse includes threats, intimidation, or humiliation through social media, messaging apps, or online gaming platforms. It can cause long-term harm because digital content can spread quickly and be difficult to remove.

    Image-based abuse occurs when private photos or videos are shared without consent, often to embarrass or control the victim. Players are encouraged to save evidence (screenshots, messages, URLs), block offenders, and report incidents to both the platform and trusted adults or authorities.

    Bullying

    Bullying is repeated, deliberate behavior aimed at causing physical, emotional, or social harm. It can include teasing, excluding someone from the team, spreading rumors, or ridiculing a player’s performance. For example, a teammate who repeatedly mocks another player for missing shots or mocks their appearance is engaging in bullying. Bullying often thrives in power imbalances, whether between peers or a coach and players.

    Hazing

    Hazing involves activities or rituals that embarrass, humiliate, or harm team members, often as part of initiation or “team bonding.” This can include forced physical challenges, dangerous dares, excessive alcohol consumption, or public humiliation. Hazing can seem like tradition, but it puts participants at risk physically, emotionally, and socially, and is never acceptable under FIBA rules.

    Grooming

    Grooming is a manipulative process used by perpetrators to gain trust and isolate victims before abuse. It often begins with behavior that seems caring or supportive, which makes it harder for players to recognize as harmful. Signs can include receiving special attention, gifts, or promises of success from a coach or staff member; being isolated from teammates, family, or friends; or secretive communication that attempts to normalize sexual behavior. Grooming often escalates gradually, so players should report anything that makes them uncomfortable, even if it initially seems harmless.

    What is Safeguarding?

    Safeguarding includes proactive measures to prevent abuse and appropriate responses when individuals are at risk.

    Prevention

    • Implementing policies, education, and supervision to minimize risk across all activities.

    • Promoting a safe and respectful environment where harassment and abuse are not tolerated.

    Response

    • Taking action when someone is at risk or suffering harm.

    • Often referred to as “protection” or “child protection” in cases involving minors.

    • Includes reporting, investigation, support, and corrective measures.

    Everyone in basketball—coaches, teammates, parents, staff—shares responsibility for safeguarding. Preventing harassment and abuse is an active, ongoing process, not just a reaction after incidents occur.

    Reporting Harassment and Abuse

    Players should report any behavior that makes them uncomfortable, even if it seems friendly or harmless at first. Reporting is especially important if the potential victim is a minor or a person in a situation of vulnerability.

    How to report:

    Reports can be made anonymously if needed. Organizations strictly prohibit retaliation against anyone who reports, resists, or participates in an investigation; retaliation itself can be formally reported. Players should feel empowered to speak up, knowing they will be supported and protected.

    Remember: Reporting early can prevent further harm and protect others. FIBA is committed to ensuring every player can participate in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.

    To learn more about FIBA’s safeguarding actions, please visit: https://www.fiba.basketball/safeguarding