Basketball rules review on young levels (U10, U12, U13 and U14)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the current rules of play of the different regional basketball federation in Spain, in the under 10, under 12, under 13 and under 14 (U10, U12, U13 and U14), with incidence on the following variables: a) mode disputed, b) players called; c) time of the game; d) breaking times and time outs; e) change system; f) ball size; g) three-point line distance; h) score system and i) other modifications. The most significant results showed: a) a wide variety of rules in the under 10 and under 12 levels; b) a lack of consensus regarding the distance of three-point line, change system and size ball in the under 13 level, and c) a wide consensus from under 14 level. Despite the wide variability in the basketball's use game in the young levels in the different federations, it can be concluded that: a) in the last years it has been observed constant changes; b) the regional federations act in isolation; c) there is a shortage of scientific criteria for the choice for its rules proposals. It is proposed a permanent search of rules modifications, supported by scientific evidences.