Basketball N.S. warns spectators after fight at youth provincial game

Basketball Nova Scotia is sending a firm warning to spectators after a fight broke out at the U14 Provincial Club Championships.

Executive Director Lori Lancaster tells our newsroom in an email, it was at the Division 3 Gold Medal Game at Dartmouth High School, March 29.

“We have been told the altercation resulted from some back-and-forth discussions with opposing spectators,” says Lancaster.

The game was called with seven seconds left and did not continue.

“Very unfortunate for the young athletes competing.”

In a statement President Sarah MacEachern says championships are meant to celebrate hard work and passion and everyone deserves to feel safe, supported and respected.

“We want to be clear. Any form of abuse, aggression, or threatening behaviour at our events will not be tolerated,” reads the statement.

This is not the first time Basketball Nova Scotia came down hard on spectators.

Parents were banned from watching games for one weekend only in December 2023 due to officials receiving negativity from fans, coaches and players.

The organization asks for all members of the basketball community, especially, parents, guardians and spectators to be “mindful” of roles played.

Lancaster says, to her knowledge, no charges have been laid.