Players warned on dangerous acts

Players that engage in “dangerous actions” will be immediately tossed out of games under a new crack down by the NBL.

The League’s Basketball Operations Department has advised clubs that any risks to players’ safety through the dangerous actions of another player will be scrutinised under a zero tolerance approach.

The rule applies to the following actions:

• Contact deemed unnecessary, excessive and/or flagrant
• Contact not deemed a “basketball play”
• Direct contact with no mitigating circumstances
• Direct contact made to the head region (including neck) with high potential for injury
• Where a player is vulnerable with a high potential for injury (ie airborne)

The game review centre will also assess whether an offending player’s actions include:

• A wind up action
• High impact
• A follow through

“In the event a player engages in what we deem a dangerous act, they’ll be immediately disqualified,” Chief Operating Officer & Head of Basketball Operations, Vince Crivelli said.

“We simply won’t tolerate any players who jeopardise the safety of others through these types of dangerous actions and they’ll be shown the door, with potential other sanctions to follow.

“We have a responsibility to ensure all players are able to ply their trade in a safe environment, and we must always uphold the integrity of the competition through fair play, sportsmanship and respect for one another.”