A basketball organization, whether local, national
or international, is only as strong as its ability to communicate effectively
with the players, teams, coaches, officials and others who make up its
membership. Many such associations fail because the membership is not properly
educated and informed on a regular basis about what is happening in their sport,
not only in their own zone but around the world.
Clearly, there are many differing interests for those who take part in our game.
Coaches want to learn more about coaching, doctors and therapists about sport
medicine, organizers about ways to run their tournaments or leagues more
effectively. One thing that all stakeholders have in common, however, is the
rules of the game. These rules ultimately impact on every aspect of competition
and influence the evolving techniques and philosophies which make basketball the
dynamic and growing sport that it is.
This corner of the FIBA Americas website isn’t just for referees,
although they are the individuals who will no doubt visit it more often. An
understanding of the FIBA rulebook is important for everyone who hopes to
understand the complete game. The rules of basketball are constantly evolving as
skill levels, equipment and coaching techniques also evolve.
FIBA, through its World Technical Commission, does not hesitate to provide
timely interpretations when such interpretations are needed. The problem,
however, is that these interpretations sometimes take far too long to get to the
players, officials and coaches who need such information, and sometimes it even
gets lost in the process.
This section of the FIBA Americas website will address four areas. First of all,
it will allow FIBA Americas to communicate to its stakeholders all
interpretations or clarifications which in the future may be issued by FIBA. Any
such bulletin will be added to the website as soon as it is received. Secondly,
it will provide a forum through which rules questions can be answered. Anyone
with such a question need only send the question or concern to FIBA Americas and
the answer will be forthcoming as efficiently as possible. Thirdly, it will
provide articles on a regular basis which reflect various points of emphasis as
identified by FIBA World and/or FIBA Americas. The first such article will
appear in late November, with a different article to follow every three to four
weeks (or sooner if interest is strong enough). Finally, short tests on the
rules (5 questions each) will appear on a monthly basis. Answers as well as rule
references will be provided separate from the questions themselves.
FIBA Americas prides itself in being one of the strongest zones in the FIBA
world. It is our hope that this new addition to its website will only make it
stronger.
FIBA AMERICAS