Theft, vaping, and bias referee claims rock Basketball ACT

Basketball ACT has been rocked by allegations of theft, referees vaping inside venues, and match officials treating some players unfairly or targeting them during games. Chief operating officer Kelly Stirton issued a letter warning referees that failures to meet expectations may result in disciplinary action, including being stood down from appointments, suspension, or removal from the referee program. The letter said personal disputes carried onto the court undermine the integrity of officiating and damage the reputation of the referee program and Basketball ACT as a whole, adding that any referee allowing personal matters to affect their duties may be immediately stood down pending review. The ban also extends to officials who also play in a team, with swearing or demeaning comments towards other officials treated seriously. Basketball ACT said it received numerous reports of referees vaping in referee rooms, bathrooms and other areas, stressing that vaping, smoking, illicit substances or alcohol while officiating or present at a venue in a refereeing capacity is strictly prohibited, and it is willing to scour CCTV footage. Officials found guilty face suspension or removal. Reports of theft of personal belongings also circulated over a weekend, with Basketball ACT warning that matters could be referred to authorities and that anyone found stealing or engaging in dishonest behaviour will be removed from the venue immediately and may face further disciplinary action. The developments come as basketball booms in Canberra, with Basketball ACT securing $37 million in ACT government funding to expand Belconnen stadium, and the NBL continuing to explore a potential expansion team in the capital.

(Source：The Canberra Times)