New NBL rules

MEDIA RELEASE

27 April 2010

NEW RULES FOR NBL IN 2010/11

The National Basketball League will introduce a number of adjustments to their rules for the 2010/11 NBL season, Basketball Australia has announced.

Four major changes are being introduced for the new NBL season, which will start in mid-October this year:

- The shape of the keyway will adopt the new standard FIBA rectangular shape;

- The distance from the three-point line to the basket will be increased from 6.25 metres to 6.75 metres;

- A “no-charge” zone marked by a semi-circle will be instituted directly under the basket , in which defensive players cannot take a charge;

- An adjustment to what used to be known as the Young Australian Player rule will see all teams required to have one Australian or New Zealand player under the age of 24 as one of their 10 contracted players (for the 2010/11 season they must have been born after 1 April 1987).

NBL General Manager Chuck Harmison said the adjustments to the keyway, the three-point line and the introduction of the no-charge zone will ensure the NBL stayed aligned with the rules of the international governing body of basketball, FIBA, which was making those changes following the 2010 FIBA World Championships.

“Basketball Australia previously made the decision following the unification of the sport in this country to bring the NBL under the standard FIBA international playing rules and this is the continuation of that initiative,” said Harmison. “There are obvious benefits to that, especially for the development of our international players, and we have been happy with the initial changes instituted last season.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how teams adjust to the new rules, particularly to the longer three-point line. That, and the no charge area under the basket, were pioneered by the NBA in the US and have assisted in opening up play somewhat so we think the fans will see the benefit.”

Harmison said the increase in the age limit of the NBL’s rule which requires teams to have a young Australian or New Zealand player on their roster from 23 to 24 had been greeted enthusiastically by clubs.

“The original idea behind teams being required to have a young player amongst their 10 contracted players was to ensure that we addressed the need for offering legitimate playing opportunities for our emerging young talent,” said Harmison. “After a review of how the rule was operating we determined that an increase in the age limit would provide an opportunity to more young players who may have gone to the US for a college experience and are looking to start their NBL careers.”

The new rules will be in place when the NBL holds its official pre-season tournament.

Click here to see the new FIBA court markings.