Working Media Members Code of Ethics

To be observed by the working media at any and all press rows.

The United States Basketball Writers Association reminds its colleagues to observe the rules of being respectful and courteous while working basketball games:

1. Refrain from cheering while at press row and in the press work room.

2. Do not use inappropriate language while seated at press row.

3. Furthermore, refrain from making derogatory or negative remarks to fans, officials, coaches, student-athletes, team members, and other people at the arena.

4. Members of the media should work and act in a professional manner at all times before, during, and after games.

5. Workers at press row should be seated during play, standing during play can be distracting to fans behind you who pay for their seat.

6. Avoid behaviors at press row that may be distracting to fellow workers.

7. If press row is tight, pull those loose papers in close; no need to spread out making others feel cramped and uncomfortable.

8. If able, cap beverages when not in use -- lots of equipment and electronics could be near you at the table.

9. Keep your workstation area neat in the press work room; in some instances work rooms can be crowded and space could be limited.

10. Report any suspicious person(s) in the media only areas who are not properly identified.

11. Be responsible for any guests you may bring to a game, their actions reflect upon you and your company.

Institutions grant us the privilege to sit at the media table and use their facilities to write about (or broadcast) their schools to the world. We must all work together! Without the schools we have no jobs; without us, they have limited communication to their fans and supporters.

The arena is a common ground for all media types. The prime of some peoples' work is written and broadcast within the walls where basketball is played and distractions and inappropriate behavior are never warranted or necessary.

The USBWA kindly asks you observe the professionalism desired and regret that action may be taken against those who fail to observe this code.

Furthermore, the USBWA does not condone unprofessional behavior at any time by its members or others at any sporting event. Actions deemed inappropriate by any media member at press row should report the individual(s) to a security guard, usher, and/or host official immediately to be removed.