Children as young as seven are accused of causing issues at Darwin Basketball Stadium

Darwin Basketball Association has taken swift action in an effort to thwart young people interrupting matches and vandalising property at its main stadium.

Darwin Basketball Association has implemented an “assertive action plan” following concerns with youths intimidating others, damaging property and interrupting games at Marrara.

In an email to members, DBA executive officer Kerri Savidge said the association would restrict access to several car parks, erect fencing and have just one access point into Darwin Basketball Stadium to stamp out “undesirable behaviour”.

The top section of the grandstand will also be roped off, members will be encouraged to report all problem behaviour and all people aged under 18 must be in the company of an adult or guardian to enter the stadium.

The changes will come into effect from October 28.

Ms Savidge said the association had received “fantastic” support and assistance from the NT government and community groups after the issues began to arise in recent weeks.

“It is up to us all to be proactive in making this a fun, safe space for all of us to enjoy,” Ms Savidge said in the email.

Darwin Basketball Association executive officer Kerri Savidge with Basketball NT boss John Mitchell. Picture: Glenn Campbell.

“Look after your kids and teach them the behaviour we expect from our members.

“Please support the volunteers and court supervisors in dealing with some of these issues and lend a hand where and when you can.”

It comes as the DBA considered employing security guards following a raft of “unsavoury incidents” from kids as young as seven including fighting and vandalism at Marrara.

Young people with no connection to the sport, were “congregating at the facility and causing problems” particularly on Friday nights, Ms Savidge said in an email

She said the association needed a “targeted, legal approach” to resolve the issue.

Issues also include theft and vandalism, as the Men’s and Women’s Championship Season began earlier this month.

She said the issues had emerged in recent weeks following a few isolated incidents at the start of the year at the Darwin Basketball Stadium.

It has led to Ms Savidge having to personally intervene on occasion while some staff have refused to work on Friday nights.

Youths have reportedly interrupted games and damaged property at Darwin Basketball Stadium. Picture: Supplied.

Hand dryers had been removed from toilet walls, glass smashed in entry ways and taps broken off drinking fountains, she told the NT News.

“Children as young as seven, ranging up to 16 and 17, some are repeat offenders but bring others along next time,” Ms Savidge said.

“A seven-year-old boy tried to borrow my handbag last week.

“Games are constantly interrupted by walking on the court, getting in the way of referees, sitting on baselines and running up and down grandstands

“Verbally threatening people who ask them to leave or be quiet, standing over people who request they stop swearing.”

Darwin Basketball Association boss Kerri Savidge says her staff are refusing to work on Fridays to avoid the issues. Picture: Ivan Rachman.

Membership fees could be increased to meet the cost of employing security guards to deal with the issue.

“They have found an airconditioned venue with no entry fee to hang out at,” Ms Savidge said of the troublemakers in an email to DBA members.

“It is not the responsibility of the court supervisors to deal with these types of incidents and in some cases is becoming a safety issue.”

The association is currently in discussions with the NT government about “securing assistance”.

“We also know actions take time and this issue needs to be addressed immediately,” she said in her email.

On Tuesday, Sports Minister Kate Worden said she would talk to Ms Savidge about the issue.