GENEVA, Switzerland (FIBA) - FIBA is delivering on its commitment to develop 3x3 basketball as a new discipline, with the announcement of a test phase of an amended rules set, that will last from mid-May until the end of 2011.

During this period, a number of 3x3 tournaments will be held, during which the new rules and a unified digital competition management system will be put to the test.

These tests are intended to result in a format of play that delivers on the promise to make basketball accessible to the largest possible number of players, taking into account both top level competition, small scale tournaments and simple pick-up games.

The new test rules include three major changes to those played at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games:

• the shot clock is raised from 10 to 12 seconds
• shots from beyond the arc count for two (2) points, shots from inside for one (1) point
• the winning score limit before end of regular time is brought down to 21

Click here for the latest version of the 3x3 rules and here for a table outlining the regulation changes and the lighter versions of 3x3 basketball, or visit http://fiba.com/3x3.

The FIBA Central Board gave its approval for the launch on 13 March 2011 in Lyon. FIBA member federations and potential tournament organisers have been informed of this test period, and have been encouraged to stage 3x3 tournaments throughout the summer. In the autumn, FIBA will evaluate feedback from all stakeholders, and use the data to finalise the roadmap for the development of the discipline, which has Olympic ambitions.

2012 will then see the official launch of 3x3 on a worldwide basis, with a full pyramid of tournaments being rolled out, ranging from informal competitions to international championships, to a possible world pro tour.
3x3 is set to make a second Youth Olympic Games appearance in Nanjing in 2014.

FIBA Secretary General and IOC Member Patrick Baumann said: "We are excited to get this project launched with a crucial test phase. 3x3 has an extraordinarily large number of non-licensed players. We want this test phase to help us give everyone the structures and rules to play the game and we are confident that we are on the right track."

About FIBA and 3x3 basketball

FIBA (www.fiba.basketball) - the world governing body for basketball - is an independent association formed by 213 National Basketball Federations throughout the world. FIBA is recognised as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Visit http://facebook.com/fiba and http://twitter.com/fiba or http://youtube.com/fibaworld for further information.

3x3 basketball is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide.
This exciting format, sanctioned by FIBA, sees two teams of three players face off on a standard half-court, with rules designed to encourage players to showcase their skills and athleticism. It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Singapore.