Indian Basketball Rule Change: Minimum playing time introduced at U16 and U18 Nationals
Indian Basketball Rule Change: Minimum playing time introduced at U16 and U18 Nationals
As per these new rules, at least 10 (out of the total 12) squad members must compulsorily play a minimum of one full quarter.
In an important development at the Youth (U16) and Junior (U18) National level, the minimum playing time rule that previously existed only at the Mini (U14) stage has now been extended to the older age categories.
10 players, 10 minutes each
As per these new rules, at least 10 (out of the total 12) squad members must compulsorily play a minimum of one full quarter.
Additionally, no player can be on the floor in all four quarters. In other words, every player must sit out for one full quarter in each match.
These new rules were approved in the Basketball Federation of India (BFI’s) Annual General Body Meeting held in Chennai on June 8, 2024.
No substitute in case of injury
Furthermore, if a player still in his/her first quarter (whether Q1, Q2, Q3 or Q4) gets injured, then no substitution will be allowed, and the team must play out the remaining time in that quarter with a reduced number of players.
The only exception to this rule is for those players who have already played one entire quarter and thereafter get injured.
Why this rule change?
One of the pervasive problems in Indian basketball - across all age groups - is an over-reliance on the ‘main five’ or ‘starting five’ of a team.
This new rule is being introduced to ensure the remaining bench players get adequate playing time. It also compels coaches to improve their substitution strategies - and one can hope it leads to more merit-based team selections, at least for the first 10 players in the squad.
Additionally, as highlighted by BFI President Mr Aadhav Arjuna in an earlier interaction with Ekalavyas, the new substitution rule ensures adequate rest to the key players reducing the chances of injuries, especially during National Championships where teams can often end up playing 1-2 high-intensity matches in a single day - for 5-6 days straight.
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