Proposed Competition Dates 5 to 13 October
Age Categories* Men / Women: 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+, 60+, 65+
*Age determined at 31 December 2002.
There will be no mixed competition.

Competition Details The competition will cater for athletes of all ability, dividing competition into grades. The competition will consist of a minimum 4 game round robin followed by elimination finals. Teams can expect to play a minimum of one game per day.

Grade Definitions The grades are classified as Premier, A Grade, B Grade and C Grade.

Premier Division: This division is for teams with international or national experience. At least two or three players should have international experience. The other team members are expected to be at a state representative level. A premier competition void of age categories may run if enough teams of suitable standard apply.

A Grade: This grade is for teams of state or representative level. 'Representative' is defined as having represented your club or town in a state competition.

B Grade: This grade is for those who compete in a high standard of domestic level basketball, such as the A Grade in their local competition.

C Grade: This grade is for all teams who participate on a social basis only.

Note: Where there are not enough teams to make a viable competition in a grade/ age group, these categories may be collapsed in order to guarantee a viable competition. The awarding of medals will not be affected, that is, teams will still be awarded medals in the age and grade in which they originally entered.

Competition Standards The basketball competition at the Melbourne 2002 World Masters Games will be conducted under the auspices, rules and regulations of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and Basketball Australia and will conform to any special requirements of the International Masters Games Association. Basketball Victoria will conduct the competition with the following modifications:

- 5 minute warm up,
- 2 x 20 minutes halves,
- 5 minute break at half time,
- 2 time outs per team per half,
- 1 additional time out per team per extra time period,
- 5 minute overtime,
- The clock will stop for all whistles, and any unusual delays as signalled by the referees,
- All games must commence at the communicated time, unless unforeseen circumstances occur,
- The 24 second shot clock shall be used only in the Premier Grade Grand Final.

Teams are required to be at the venue 30 minutes prior to their scheduled game time.

Independent score bench officials will be provided for all matches.

Uniforms All teams are required to be attired in appropriate uniform, with legal numbers being 5-15, 20-25, 30-35, 40-45, 50-55. 00 is not permitted to be worm. Competitors out of uniform will be permitted to take the court at a penalty of two (2) points per indiscretion. Trim, hoops, logos and emblems will be considered optional. Lack of uniformity in these matters will not incur a penalty. The Tournament Supervisor will make the final decision regarding issues on players out of uniform.

Blood Rule Competitors with blood on their uniform must leave the court. The competitor may resume playing in a non-standard uniform provided the referee rules there is no confusion of colours.

If the referees determine that there is a clash of colours between teams, they will confer with both team captains. If either captain wishes a change of colours, then there shall be a toss of the coin and the winner of the toss may elect to change uniforms or oblige the opposition to change uniforms. Bibs, available from the Tournament desk, may be used as a change in uniform.

No-show If a team does not appear with the minimum of five players, within eight (8) minutes of the game start time as indicated on the official fixture, and then the match shall be recorded as a 'walkover'. The match will be awarded to the opposing team and the score recorded as a twenty (20) point to nil (0) win.

If a team appears within the eight (8) minutes, but after the scheduled commencement time of the match, then the opposing team shall be awarded a score of one (1) point for each minute the offending team is late.

The interpretation of the rules during a match will be to the judgement of the referees appointed to the match.

Competition Structure This will depend greatly on team entries. The following case scenarios for grades are likely:
16 teams = 4 pools of 4, QF, SF, BP, GF
12 teams = 2 pools of 6, QF, SF, BP, GF
6 teams = 1 pool Round Robin, SF, BP, GF
(QF= Quarter Final, SF = Semi Final, BF = Bronze Play Off, GF = Grand Final)

Player Qualifications It is recommended that teams register at least 7 players. Players must play in at least 2 games to qualify for the finals, and all registrations must be advised during the Games registration period. No registrations will be accepted during the Games competition period.

Players can only participate in one team in each age group; however, players can participate in more than one team in the Basketball Competition provided they meet the age requirements, and are registered with each team.

Equipment Game balls will be provided, however, it is the responsibility of the team to bring training/warm up balls. Teams should bring a spare set of uniforms for a colour clash where possible. The Tournament Office will have a limited number of bibs on hand to assist those who do not have their own. Teams are advised to bring their own water bottles.

Personal Property It is the responsibility of individuals to ensure that items are not left unattended. Lockers are available for a small fee in the venue, however, as there are only a limited number of lockers, valuables are best secured at your accommodation.

Practice Facilities - Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), Albert Park. + 61 3 9926 1555
- Waverley Basketball Stadium, Chadstone. +61 3 9807 9814
- Coburg Basketball Stadium, Coburg. +61 3 9335 7200
- Keilor Basketball Stadium, Keilor. +61 3 9336 3411
- Blackburn Slater Reserve, Blackburn. + 61 3 9878 2763
- Broadmeadows Basketball Stadium, Broadmeadows. +61 3 9309 5655
NB. Venue hire is on a user-pays basis. These venues have not been pre-booked for M2002 WMG competitors.