Official Statement on Spectator and Player Conduct
Date of Release: March 5th, 2025
The Community Basketball League (CBL) remains committed to providing a safe, positive, and competitive environment for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators. This past 2024-2025 Winter Season, we have seen unacceptable behavior from a small percentage of spectators and players that does not reflect the values of our league. Hostile interactions with referees, verbal altercations among spectators, and issues with player discipline have surfaced at several games, prompting serious concerns. During our playoff games alone, we had several incidents where spectators had to be removed from facilities and players were ejected. We had one incident where a referee was physically assaulted.
We want to be very clear—CBL does not condone any behavior that threatens the integrity of the game or the safety of those involved. Our league has strict policies in place, including our Spectator Code of Conduct, Player and Coach Conduct Rules, and Disciplinary Actions that allow for suspensions and bans when necessary. We will continue to enforce these policies and strengthen them where needed.
While these incidents are concerning, we recognize that CBL is not alone in facing these challenges. Leagues across the country are dealing with similar problems, with many taking action to curb rising tensions in youth sports:
- A recent editorial from The Citizens’ Voice (Feb. 25, 2025) titled “Youth Basketball Courts No Place for Spectator Outbursts” called attention to the increasingly hostile environment at youth basketball games, leading to game delays and referee walkouts.
- A Sports Destination Management report (March 2024) emphasized how referee shortages are being fueled by aggressive spectator behavior, making it harder for leagues to staff games.
- In New Jersey, the NJSIAA has mandated that all high schools adopt a Spectator Code of Conduct for the 2025-2026 school year in response to growing concerns over fan behavior (March 2024, NJSBA).
- A New Jersey State Bar Foundation article (March 21, 2024) detailed how security measures and stricter penalties are being implemented due to rising violence at youth sporting events.
These examples highlight that what CBL is experiencing is part of a larger trend affecting youth sports nationwide.
How CBL is Taking Action
We take these issues very seriously and are actively implementing solutions to prevent further incidents. CBL has taken the following steps:
- Emergency Meetings Held – Our leadership team has reviewed recent incidents and set clearer enforcement guidelines for in-game conduct.
- Spectator Bans Issued – CBL has already issued bans to those who violated our Spectator Code of Conduct.
- Parent Liaisons Implemented – Organizations are encouraged to assign parent liaisons to help monitor and de-escalate conflicts at games.
- Police Coverage – Due to an increase in incidents, CBL arranged and funded police presence at the CBL Finals. Following this year’s playoffs and the challenges that arose, the CBL Board has decided to allocate funds for police coverage at all playoff locations moving forward.
- Contacting Other Leagues – CBL has reached out to leagues such as CYO and LVKHB to explore potential collaboration on best practices for improving spectator and player conduct. While formal discussions have not yet taken place, we believe that working together as a broader youth sports community will help us develop stronger solutions.
Exploring Legislative Solutions: Taking Action Beyond CBL
CBL understands that league policies alone are not enough to solve this issue. Other states, such as Minnesota and Colorado, have recently passed laws to address referee abuse and youth sports misconduct, setting an example of how legislation can play a role in protecting officials and ensuring accountability.
In an effort to push for meaningful, statewide change, CBL has begun contacting state senators and representatives to explore the possibility of legislation that would help combat rising misconduct at youth sports events. While these discussions are in the early stages, we strongly believe that statewide policies could provide leagues with the legal backing needed to enforce stricter conduct guidelines.
CBL is proud to take a leadership role in these efforts, and we encourage other leagues, officials, and organizations to join us in advocating for stronger protections.
Long-Term Plan: Strengthening Policies Before the 2025-2026 Season
While these immediate measures will help, we recognize that long-term changes are necessary. CBL has established a committee that will focus on:
- Reviewing and updating CBL policies to ensure clearer enforcement and accountability measures.
- Working with referees and coaches to identify pain points and find solutions that improve in-game management.
- Implementing stronger spectator and player conduct expectations before the 2025-2026 Winter Season.
A Call for Community Support
We need the support of parents, coaches, and players to ensure that CBL remains a safe and positive environment. We ask everyone to:
- Respect referees and coaches – Without them, youth sports cannot exist.
- Lead by example – Spectators must remember that their behavior directly influences young athletes.
- Report issues through proper channels – Do not escalate conflicts—bring concerns to league officials professionally.
CBL is committed to protecting the integrity of the game and ensuring that every player has a safe and positive basketball experience.
For more information on our Spectator Code of Conduct and League Rules & Policies.
We appreciate the commitment of our teams, coaches, parents, and volunteers in helping us build a better future for youth basketball.
Nathaniel Kober
President, Community Basketball League
