National Association of Basketball Coaches
The NABC works to further the best interests of the game of basketball, as well as the players and coaches who participate in the sport.
What is the NABC?
Since its beginning, the NABC has continually worked to further the best interests of the game of basketball, as well as the players and coaches who participate in the sport. In doing so, the NABC has established the following goals and objectives to pursue its mission:
- To promote the ideals of integrity, sportsmanship and teamwork among basketball coaches and the players whom they coach;
- To unify coaches on issues pertaining to basketball at all levels;
- To provide member services which address the needs of the coach professionally and personally;
- To encourage basketball coaches to serve as community outreach agents who elevate moral, ethical and educational values;
- To enlighten the general public, media, institutional educators and athletic administrators to the fact that coaches are good for the sport and the young people whom they serve;
- To work with the legislative arm of the NCAA and other governing bodies on issues that affect basketball and intercollegiate athletics.
History
The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) was founded in 1927 by Forrest “Phog” Allen, the legendary University of Kansas men’s basketball coach. Formation of the NABC began as an emergency measure for the presentation of a united opinion after the Joint Basketball Rules Committee, then the central governing authority of the game, announced without notice that it had adopted a change in the rules which virtually eliminated the dribble. Allen, a student of basketball founder James Naismith, organized coaches to take a stand in a nationwide protest which successfully postponed the adoption of the rule change for one year. This marked the start of a collective group of coaches serving as Guardians of the Game. Since its inception, the NABC has also contributed numerous ideas and programs to enhance and preserve college basketball. These initiatives include establishing the original Basketball Hall of Fame (Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame), creating the format for today’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, originating the Final Four Fan Fest concept, and launching Coaches vs. Cancer.
Guardians of the Game
Coaches are “Guardians of the Game.” We share a collective responsibility to serve and support student-athletes, fellow coaches and the game of basketball. The Guardians of the Game program emphasizes five core values:
- ADVOCACY – NABC members advocate for the best interests of student-athletes, coaches and the game of basketball.
- LEADERSHIP – NABC members are role models and provide leadership on issues impacting the game of basketball and society.
- SERVICE – NABC members strengthen their communities through civic involvement and service.
- EDUCATION – NABC members support student-athlete academic excellence and are committed to helping coaches develop professionally on and off the court.
- INCLUSION – NABC members champion the cause of diversity, equity and inclusion and support equal opportunities for all in the coaching profession
Membership
The NABC is the nation’s largest professional association of basketball coaches and currently claims a membership of nearly 5,000 coaches throughout the ranks of the NCAA, NAIA, USCAA, NCCAA, two-year colleges, high schools and youth programs.
Governing Structure
The NABC is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of coaches and athletic administrators. The officers include a President, a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Vice President and the NABC Executive Director. The Executive Committee consists of the current officers and past presidents.
NABC Congresses
Formed in 1992 to allow the NABC to work more effectively with the NCAA and its committees, the NABC Congresses consists of one NABC coach serving as a conference or region representative in each NCAA division. Congressmen serve to both relay information from the NABC Board of Directors to fellow conference coaches as well as to help survey the membership for feedback on important issues.
NABC Committees
Throughout its history, the NABC has formed numerous committees and working groups to address key issues in college basketball. Current NABC committees include the NABC Ad Hoc Committee on College Basketball Issues, the NABC Committee on Racial Reconciliation, and NABC Division II and Division III All-America Committees, among others.
Player Development Coalitions
NABC Player Development Coalitions in NCAA Division I, Division II and Division III offer an avenue for men’s basketball student-athletes in each division to provide valuable feedback and perspective that shapes NABC legislative efforts.
Coaches vs. Cancer
The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the NABC. This initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of coaches to impact the fight against cancer through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Since 1993, coaches have raised over $167 million for the American Cancer Society.
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics of the basketball coaching profession sets forth the principles and standards of basketball coaching and represents the aspirations of all members of the NABC. Ethics are defined as principles for right action. These principles are not laws but standards, and are intended to guide basketball coaches individually and collectively in maintaining the highest professional level of ethical conduct.
NABC Leadership
NABC Sponsors
