Ivan, 14YO was involved in an incident with another player in which it was alleged he was “tunnelling”. An unsportsmanlike foul was given but Ivan was not suspended from the game and both players played that game till the last second.

No report was lodged after the game by referees, supervisors or VJBL officials straight after the game. Ivan had apologised to the player the following day, and it was accepted.

“The injured player broke his hand” according VJBL Report, although he continued to play basketball and footy  for four weeks, "non stop" after the incident, and is playing now. 

2nd  episode was classified as “striking”, but No foul was given. Because it was “Accidental contact” between two players trying to find better position, by FIBA /VJBL rules, and are not reportable.

A month later Ivan was handed an unprecedented 78-week suspension based on 27 second combined video and banned  from entering any venue in which Basketball Victoria is conducted Australia Wide, essentially ending his dream of playing basketball at higher levels.

The rationale for the length of suspension is not clear.  Videos of the incident do not support any allegations against Ivan as Cause of injury, striking, tunnelling, and bring basketball into disrepute.

This is very unjust and should be overturned.