Basketball ACT has reopened discussions with clubs involved in an ongoing investigation as Winnunga Warriors president Dion Devow called for a stop to on-court abuse to stamp out racism.
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The Winnunga Warriors, a local Indigenous club, filed a complaint to Basketball ACT after its players in an under-14s competition were subject to racial slurs on Sunday, July 26.
Members of the opposing side allegedly used racially offensive language towards some the Warriors' team members, who are 12 years old.
The two clubs involved met with Basketball ACT on Friday afternoon as part of the sport body's investigation. Devow, whose daughter was on the Warriors' team, said the meeting went well and Basketball ACT had given them options to consider.
The release of a joint statement has been delayed after the clubs had differing views on its wording, forcing Basketball ACT back to the drawing board.
Devow hoped the outcome of the investigation would prevent future occurrences of on-court racism and said the club only wanted what was best for its young players.
"We've got to stand up and do what's right and work together to do that," Devow said.
"No matter how hard it can be because sometimes these things are filled with emotion.
"People are thinking more about these types of issues because of Black Lives Matter and the Indigenous rounds happening in sport at the moment. It's very topical.
"In terms of thinking about the positive part of this, this could be something that really makes a difference in the future and that's all we want - what's best for these kids."
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Basketball ACT has completed the first part of the investigation but has not yet said what measures would be taken.
Devow, the 2018 ACT Australian of the Year, said there was a lack of knowledge about the processes involved with player misconduct and hoped it would become more transparent.
It's the second time in less than a year Basketball ACT has been forced to deal with on-court racism issues after the Warriors raised concerns last August.
Basketball ACT staff and referees were forced to undergo awareness training after the incident, but there's been no recent practices.
Devow reiterated more education was needed to prevent racism and behavioural misconduct in basketball.
"We're happy to do whatever we can do to get the best outcome for these kids and the sport moving forward," Devow said.
"We're about inclusivity. We want to do our part to help stop this type of stuff but we can't do it all by ourselves."
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
