The National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have announced a ‘Respect for the Game’ program to encourage respectful behaviour at all levels of the sport.

The pair will work in partnership with National Basketball Coaches Association, the National Basketball Referees Association and USA Basketball to commit to several pillars including:

• Promoting an environment of mutual respect in workplaces, arenas and communities where players, coaches and teams compete.
• Upholding the honor and dignity of all players, coaches, referees, fans and staff, and setting a positive example for all stakeholders.
• Fostering inclusivity and diversity with respect to spaces, actions and opinions.
• Embracing and celebrating a climate of transparency, accountability and fair and honest communication.
• Creating a kind, collaborative community in which all people feel safe and empowered to perform to the best of their abilities without fear of retribution.

Commenting on the new program, NBA commissioner, Adam Silver and NBPA executive director, Tamika Tremaglio, said in a joint statement: “Respect and dignity are core values of both the NBA and the NBPA.”

“With the start of a new NBA season, we are reaffirming our commitment to promoting healthy and courteous relationships among players, coaches, referees, fans and parents throughout the game,” it said.

The NBA and NBPA will also work with community and youth partners, including Jr. NBA so that Respect for the Game is included in all communications and outreach.

The announcement comes after the NBA and WNBA extended their partnership with Buzzer.