Basketball Australia would like to acknowledge that an email sent to WNBL clubs regarding a policy referencing playing with braids and plaited ponytails was outdated and culturally insensitive.
Melbourne Boomers advised that two players found the policy to be discriminatory, culturally insensitive and deeply upsetting.
Both players were called and issued with apology letters and the policy was removed by the WNBL Commission effective immediately.
Basketball Australia is working to remove this policy from all other competitions and tournaments under its control. A review panel will be established to ensure that all policies and rules align to Basketball Australia’s Diversity & Inclusion Policy and are completely up to date and relevant.
While this was a long-standing policy within basketball it has no place in the game and we give an unreserved apology to any players that have found it offensive. We will continue to work with the players and clubs to understand and recognise issues and collectively bring about change.
In the spirit of reconciliation Basketball Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.