International Basketball Federation has published recommendations for the resumption of basketball in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recommendations, which were published in English, French and Spanish languages, are titled “Return to Basketball – Restart Guidelines for National Federations’’.
A basketball-specific “Risk Assessment Tool’’ has also been produced in collaboration with the World Health Organisation.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that FIBA is the world governing body for basketball and is an independent association formed by 213 national basketball federations throughout the world, including Nigeria’s basketball federation.
The body, which is based in Switzerland, is recognised as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
FIBA’s guidelines are primarily for national federations seeking direction and advice on the restart of basketball activities and competitions.
Majority of basketball activities and competitions around the world had been halted in mid-March due to the pandemic.
FIBA stated that;
The guidelines and risk assessment tool will serve as a checklist to ensure any decisions on basketball events are based on an assessment of risks and the best chance of a successful restart.
The body however reminded the federations that the publication is not intended to replace the guidance and restrictions of various governments and public health authorities.
FIBA added that the risk assessment tool is a live document and will be updated regularly, to suite any major update.
The guidelines have been developed by FIBA Medical Commission Chairman, Peter Harcourt after his consultation with the FIBA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group (MAG), FIBA Medical and Players Commissions.
Harcourt assured that FIBA medical commission will collaborating closely with WHO to safeguard the basketball community from the current pandemic crisis.
