A protective father has accused Trowbridge Basketball Club of discrimination after his autistic son was banned from playing with the club.
Marcus Neal, of Highfield Road in Bradford on Avon, says he is seeking legal advice from a law firm after Ealy Neal, 14, was barred
He said that Ealy, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is devastated by the ban.
The Clarendon Academy School pupil, who receives special educational support, already measures 6ft 5 inches and was banned following several on-court incidents during practice sessions at St Augustine’s Catholic College.
The boy has been subject to verbal and formal warnings in the past but the latest incident on February 22 proved to be the final straw as he is alleged to have struck another player who was left with a mark on his face.
Mr Neal, 42, said: “The way the club is dealing with him is disgusting. He has had no problems at school.
“We know Ealy can be a bit impulsive. He went for a ball and unfortunately tapped the boy in the mouth.
“I know that I’m a protective parent but he is not being given a fair crack of the whip
“Ealy is 6ft 5 inches and only 14. He went for a ball and accidentally hit a player in the mouth. It is a contact sport.”
Mr Neal said he had already voiced concerns on February 3 following an Under 16s game about how the club's coaching staff were dealing with his son.
Trowbridge Basketball Club chairman and club coach Adam Storey said they had no choice but to ban Ealy to safeguard other players and members.
Mr Storey said the club was aware of Ealy’s additional needs but had a duty of care to protect other players, and had taken advice from Basketball England before deciding to impose the ban.
“We are a club that is committed to being inclusive for all," he said.
“Sometimes it can be challenging for us to meet all the requirements a child needs but we continue to do our best to help all members within our club.”
Mr Storey added the club has “a zero tolerance” policy to any violence deemed to cause unnecessary harm to another individual or player.
In the email to Mr Neal, Mr Storey said Ealy's membership had been cancelled and he was not allowed to attend any future sessions, adding they could not appeal the decision due to the seriousness of this incident.
He also said they hope Ealy continues to play basketball and they would support him in finding another club.
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