The Adelaide Community Basketball Association (ACBA) issues the following statement to provide full clarity and context around the recent discussion aired on FiveAA. ACBA believes it is important that the community has accurate information about who we are, how our competitions operate, and the facts that guided this decision.

The ACBA Ingle Farm domestic league is a highly inclusive, participation-based competition with a proudly multicultural and diverse player base. As a grassroots level league with only eight teams in this age group, we are unable to split the competition into multiple divisions.

To assist the public in understanding this context, ACBA Ingle Farm is a domestic social competition, meaning it is specifically designed for participation, community engagement, and development. It is not an elite, district or representative league. This decision was not based on philosophy or ideology. It was a structural requirement of a small social league designed for participation and development. It was made to ensure wellbeing, fairness, and meaningful competition for all young athletes while still recognising and encouraging strong performers to pursue higher-level pathways in district and representative basketball.

Following a match in which the team in question defeated the second-placed team 80–17, it was brought to our attention that their skill level was significantly higher than the rest of the competition. A review of the division’s results confirmed that their performance consistently exceeded all other teams.

The purpose of this review was not to disadvantage excellence. ACBA celebrates strong performance and encourages young athletes to pursue higher pathways such as district competition, development academies, and representative programs. The review was undertaken to ensure that all children in the social league, including this team, were receiving meaningful, competitive games that support enjoyment, development, and wellbeing.

In accordance with our by-laws, the club was presented with three options. The chosen approach: remain in the 12’s competition, award the team 2025 Ingle Farm 12’s Division 1 Champions, and let others compete for Division 2. ACBA will also make every effort to source an alternative opponent during finals weeks to ensure the team continues to have meaningful game opportunities. This common solution avoids forfeits, supports mixed skill levels, and maximises competitive match ups.

It is important to clarify that the team was not disqualified or removed from competition. The club chose their preferred option from the three formally presented in line with ACBA policy, and ACBA ensured the children would continue to play competitive basketball during finals weeks. Placement finals in this domestic league do not determine the official champion; the premiership had already been awarded to the team based on their season performance. ACBA continues to uphold its values of fairness, inclusion, and community, and we thank all participants for their ongoing support.

We would also like to clarify that we did engage in direct communication throughout this process with the club, team’s coach and a parent. ACBA refutes the suggestion that no contact was made, and we remain committed to transparent and respectful dialogue with all clubs and families through the correct channels.

ACBA’s communication process follows established governance pathways, which require that formal discussions occur through team managers, club contacts, and coaches. This ensures consistent, accurate information flow and protects the wellbeing of children, volunteers, and officials.

ACBA continues to uphold its values of fairness, inclusion, and community, and we thank all participants for their ongoing support.

We reaffirm that every decision made in this matter followed ACBA by-laws, competition structures, and child-safe principles. The aim was to ensure fairness and meaningful participation for all teams within the restrictions of a community-based competition. ACBA remains committed to supporting every child’s basketball journey in an environment that is safe, respectful, and development-focused.