''More recreation, less competition'' in Puerto Rico's annual Mini Basketball Tournament
12/04/2019
Americas
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''More recreation, less competition'' in Puerto Rico's annual Mini Basketball Tournament

SAN JUAN - With the participation of 6,100 players and 485 teams divided in 12 sections, the Puerto Rico Basketball Federation’s annual Mini Basketball Tournament began this past weekend.

The tournament features categories for boys aged seven through fourteen and will last from April 6 to the month of June.

“The tournament began with 485 teams this year and we're working with (children of) the ages of 7 to 14,” said to FIBA.basketball the tournament's General Director, Mr. Iván Vázquez.

This year’s edition will see some changes that were approved in order to foster a holistic improvement of the participants. Another objective is to create better citizens through activities that develop their character and their capability of relating to others.

“At seven years of age, we don’t register in the scoreboard, they're just playing with the clock,” Vázquez explained. “Basically, as part of the Federation’s vision, we're bolstering the individual defense in the younger categories, and the individual defense was established as part of the rules. Zone defense isn’t allowed, except for the little [7-8 categories]. From 9 to 14 it’s an individual defense, as part of the development the Federation wants to do.”

Some of these ideas are the result of the federations’ participation in the Americas Mini Basketball Congress, which took place in Hermosillo, Mexico, on February. This was a four-day encounter where discussions around issues and tactical matters where hosted around the goal of teaching children to love basketball to secure the sport's future.

“I participated in that congress and several ideas came out of it, but the tournament already had its rules. I already have some ideas that I want to implement next year based on what I witnessed in the congress. In the small categories we want more recreation and less competition. We're also evaluating the 3x3 modality for the younger [7-8] categories.”

FBPUR's tournament features coaches and trainers that are prepared to work with children and young players, as well as referees and table officials that guarantee that games run according to the rules.

“The Federation, by means of its Technical Commission, certifies the coaches. They must evidence continual education courses, and those that aren't certified must do so,” assured the tournament's director.

After the tournament these players could be in the running for a spot in the national teams and shortlists of the Mini and Pre-Mini Basketball categories, organized by FBPUR.

FIBA