A string of incidents between basketball volunteers and kids that have been described as “threatening” have the Darwin Basketball Association considering employing security guards to continue playing without being harassed.

DBA executive officer Kerri Savidge said that kids who have nothing to do with the sport have been assembling and causing trouble at the basketball facility, on Fridays in particular.

“We are looking into a targeted, legal approach in resolving this issue,” Ms Savidge said. “Children as young as seven, ranging up to 16 and 17, some are repeat offenders but bring others along next time.”

She said that incidents included a seven-year-old boy trying to steal her handbag and has affected the men’s and women’s games.

“Games are constantly interrupted by walking on the court, getting in the way of referees, sitting on baselines and running up and down grandstands, and verbally threatening people who ask them to leave or be quiet, standing over people who request they stop swearing,” Ms Savidge said.

Disturbances made by the kids included vandalizing and stealing, which started this month when the Men’s and Women’s Championship Seasons opened. Other occurrences consist of hand dryers being removed from toilet walls, glass smashed glass in entryways, and nozzles broken off drinking fountains, Ms Savidge said.

She said the incidents prompted some employees to refuse to work on Friday nights.

Ms Savidge said they are considering hiring private security but that would mean increasing membership fees to cover the costs. She said the association is now in talks with the Territory government regarding the added security.

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

Sports Minister Kate Worden said she had already been informed of the issue and would be meeting with the league.

CLP Opposition spokeswoman for Sport Jo Hersey said she had heard Ms Savidge on ABC Radio Tuesday morning discussing her concerns.

“People don’t willingly go to the media on these issues, but it is obviously at breaking point when people from the sport are making a desperate plea for the Fyles Labor government to wake up and do something,” she said.

“Kerri Savidge and the families who want to enjoy a night out at the basketball deserve to play and watch the game in peace.

“We hope Natasha Fyles and her cabinet listen to the people who are being let down and are having their family friendly nights ruined by kids who are just looking for somewhere to cause trouble.”

In the meantime, Ms Savidge said that DBA will be limiting entry to members and their families, and to youths accompanied by adults who can explain why they’re at the games.