Canada - CIS basketball rules under review

From www.hamiltonspectator.com
Download source here

The rules and playoff structure of Canadian Interuniversity Sport basketball are being scrutinized by its member schools.

After discussion and debate at the recent Ontario University Athletics annual general meeting in Huntsville, it was passed that men's basketball will adopt international rules (FIBA) for the upcoming season.

Women's OUA basketball moved to FIBA rules from the North American variety last season for the first time. The main differences between the two games are FIBA's wider key and reduced shot clock.

"We will be going to the CIS meetings (June 13-15 in Roseneath, P.E.I.), but the position of most of the people in the OUA is we would like to be consistent with CIS rules," said McMaster athletic director Therese Quigley. "For us to work independent of that would be counter-productive."

Women's basketball at the national level could also be looking at regional tournaments, plus a Final Four, to decide a CIS champion. At this time, eight teams qualify for the Canadian championship tournament.

"I would say there was general support for us to move in that direction," Quigley added. "That won't take place until 2010, because commitments, through the bidding process, have been made up to that point. So we will be determining the 2010 format essentially at the June meetings.

"Coming out of our OUA meetings, it looks very positive in terms of supporting that concept."

Under the proposal, an OUA champion would still be crowned prior to the regional competitions and Final Four. Seeding would determine whether a team hosts a regional championship or travels to one.

Interlocking play within the OUA, and the issue of changing the divisional women's basketball championship into a best-of-three playoff, was referred to the association's sport committee.

Said Quigley: "At this late date we won't have any changes for next year."

McMaster women's basketball coach Theresa Burns says she would prefer a best-of-three rather than a single game to decide a West Division champion.

"That would be great," she said. "That really makes sure the best team goes to nationals to represent the West Conference. Canada West plays best two-of-three in their playdowns."

Burns also supports the proposal for a 16-team championship format for nationals.

"It would be similar to what (CIS) football does with the Bowl games," Burns noted. "Most of the women's basketball coaches across the country think it's time for a change.

"The game has grown and evolved so much, but we need something new to make sure it keeps growing."

Burns was named Fox 40 OUA female coach of the year (for all sports) at the association's four-day general meeting. The men's Fox 40 coach of the year was former McMaster assistant basketball coach Chris Oliver. He guided Windsor Lancers to the 2006-07 OUA championship.