BASKETBALL
Click here to download the Basketball Rule Book
As one of the world's most popular sports, basketball is a big favorite in Special Olympics. Some 75,312 athletes in more than 108 Programs, including every U.S. Program, play basketball. As in all Special Olympics sports, basketball teams are grouped in competition divisions according to the athletes' and team's ability level, age, and gender. The sport enables athletes to learn teamwork while improving their athletic ability.
The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules govern all Special Olympics basketball competitions. As an international sports organization, Special Olympics has created these rules based on the Federation Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) and the National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFSHSA) Rules for Basketball. FIBA rules are employed in all international competitions and NFSHSA rules are employed in U.S. competitions. However, whenever either is in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules apply.
