Out of all the major American sports leagues, the NBA puts in the most work to constantly try and evolve its product. The league is always pursuing different avenues in an attempt to improve the game and give fans something they want to enjoy.
This year, the NBA is making changes to an outside factor in its product. Moving forward, there will be more enforcement on fan interaction in regards to the things they say to officials, players, and those around them.
If a fan is acting out of line at any point during a game, they will receive a warning card that reads the following:
“You are being issued a warning that the comments, gesutres, and/or behaviors that you have directed at the players, coaches, game officials, or other spectators constitute excessive verbal abuse.
“Or behavior that is disruptive or interferes with a game participant or another spectator and are in violation of the NBA Fan Code of Conduct. This is the first and only warning that you will receive.”
The warning continues:
“If, after receiving this warning, you verbally abuse any player, coach, game official, or spectator, or engage in behavior that is disruptive or interferes with a game participant or another spectator, you will be immediately ejected from the arena without refund.”
Is the NBA making the correct move by monitoring fan activity more?
It’s hard to argue that the NBA isn’t doing the right thing by trying to crack down on disruptive fans. Along with trying to improve the product, it’s also about looking out for all parties involved.
In order to draw in a new generation of fans, the NBA has to put out a product that is family-friendly. Parents are not going to take their children to games if they fear someone in their area might say or do outrageous things.
Another thing the league is doing is looking out for its players. In recent years, there have been far too many examples of fans going too far with players on the court.
Two situations that stood out included when LeBron James had a fan escorted from courtside for verbally harassing him. The other was when a fan dumped popcorn on Russell Westbrook as he was leaving a game due to injury.
When a fan buys a ticket, they have every right to voice their thoughts on the game. However, there is a line that cannot and shouldn’t be crossed. Beyond that, actions become detrimental. That is why the league is doing what it can to keep things at a peaceful and comfortable level.