Swamprat Basketball

known as The Swamprats, and began playing in a local competition. Over 300 young people have since participated in the program, which now boasts 8 teams and a waiting list. The Swamprats Basketball Program plays competition basketball on Tuesday nights. It is a domestic competition, played at a local Secondary College, and is the starting point for all players. Games are ‘intra-club’ and played against peers. The Swamprats Basketball Program has several rules, developed in conjunction with the players, volunteers, and St. Kilda Youth Services workers. These are:
- No use of alcohol or drugs before the game
- Respect for each other
- No violence

In the event players break these rules, a ‘tribunal of peers’ is formed to address any infringements. The tribunal is also responsible for determining what penalties, if any, are to be handed down. Suspensions will be handed down for first offences, for second offence the penalty may be greater and for the third offence you will be removed from the program pending counselling. The reason for “tribunal of peers” is to give the young people ownership of their program, and rules are enforced by team members. As of 2004 Swamprat Basketball no longer had funding from St Kilda Youth Services. An Association Incorporation was then formed by long time player and volunteer Andrew Watson. Swamprat Basketball Association Inc. is now self-funding but remains true to original format. Andrew hopes to carry on the legacy and supports the need for such a programme that was started by Paul McFadden many years ago.