CAN - CIS commits to FIBA rules in men’s basketball

OTTAWA (Canada Basketball) - The Canadian Interuniversity Sport Board of Directors have decided that men’s basketball will begin the implementation of FIBA rules commencing in the 2007-08 season.

With the pronouncement, men’s basketball joins women’s basketball under FIBA regulations. CIS women’s adopted FIBA play effective September 2006 after a board vote in the spring. Both decisions are in alignment with Canada Basketball’s efforts to establish a common set of rules for basketball right across the country and unify Canada’s basketball community.

As is the case with CIS women's basketball, the FIBA rules pertaining to non-game-play were not part of the motion. The decision to use FIBA rules came after careful consideration as well as discussion with the leadership of the CIS Men’s Basketball Coaches Association.

"We are very excited that CIS has now made the full commitment of both their men’s and women’s teams to align themselves with Canada Basketball’s strategic vision of creating a common rule set across the country," commented Canada Basketball Executive Director and CEO Fred Nykamp.

"Moving to a common rule set will make it easier for referees and tournament officials in this country to administer the game."

"We are also confident it will raise the standard of play, as well as the enjoyment factor and development opportunities for everyone in the game. I would also like to commend CIS for all their efforts in helping us towards this goal," added Nykamp.

FIBA rules are one aspect of the partnership between CIS and Canada Basketball to help grow and align the sport in Canada.

"Canadian Interuniversity Sport has an important role to play in contributing towards the long-term athlete development model in Canada,” said Marg McGregor, Chief Executive Officer, CIS.

"Canada Basketball determined that rules unification is a key element of their long-term athlete development plan, and CIS is doing our part to support this priority."

In addition to CIS, Canada’s college system, the Canadian College Athletic Association (CCAA) commenced using FIBA rules for the 2006-07 season.

Many provincial and territorial high school athletic associations’ are already playing FIBA rules, including: Yukon, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Alberta. Prince Edward Island and the Manitoba High School Athletic Associations have also recently decided to move to full FIBA rules beginning in the 2007-08 season. Remaining provincial high school athletic associations including; British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Ontario have motions before their boards or executives for a decision early in 2007 regarding the FIBA rule set.

With all provincial and territorial basketball sport organizations already committed to FIBA rules, Canada Basketball’s goals is to bring our entire country under one set of playing rules for the 2007-08 season.

FIBA is the only set of basketball rules played outside of North America and is the rule set by which all international competitions are played.

Canada Basketball