Basketball Queensland (BQ) is excited to announce the launch of its Centralised Tribunal, marking a major step forward in ensuring a fair, consistent, and transparent approach to disciplinary matters across the state.

The Centralised Tribunal will oversee disputes and disciplinary incidents arising from all BQ-affiliated competitions and activities. This new initiative brings consistency to the adjudication process, supporting associations by providing a clear and structured framework for managing misconduct and upholding the integrity of the game.

The Centralised Tribunal officially commenced in March 2025 and is governed by the updated BQ Tribunal By-Laws, which set out the processes, responsibilities, and penalties associated with various offences. The tribunal system operates under the principles of procedural fairness and independence, ensuring that all matters are handled impartially and thoroughly.

Pat Haughton has been appointed as the Chair of the Centralised Tribunal. With a wealth of experience and an extensive background in sports governance and integrity, Pat will play a pivotal role in overseeing tribunal hearings and guiding the system through its inaugural year.

This initiative enhances the consistency of decisions across all competitions, including the NBL1 North, Queensland State League (QSL), BQ Tournaments, and community-level events. By providing central oversight, BQ aims to reduce delays and confusion often associated with decentralised tribunal systems.

BQ’s General Manager of Basketball Operations, Todd Flahey, welcomed the launch of the Centralised Tribunal.

“Ensuring fairness and integrity in our competitions is one of our core responsibilities,” said Flahey.

“The introduction of the Centralised Tribunal allows us to take a significant step forward in how we manage disciplinary matters across the state. This system will ensure that every case is treated with consistency and procedural fairness, regardless of location or competition level.”

“We’re confident this will provide greater support to our associations and help uphold the high standards we expect across the sport,” he said.

Under the new by-laws, the tribunal has the authority to impose a wide range of penalties depending on the severity of the offence, including suspensions, fines, warnings, and bans. Serious incidents—such as deliberate endangerment or physical assault—can result in penalties of up to a lifetime ban.

Tribunal hearings may be conducted in person or via teleconference to improve accessibility for participants across Queensland. All outcomes will be communicated within 48 hours and recorded in Basketball Connect to ensure transparency and follow-through.

The implementation of the Centralised Tribunal reflects Basketball Queensland’s ongoing commitment to governance excellence and the safe and respectful conduct of all participants.