FIBA: International Basketball Federation

The abbreviation 'FIBA' derives from the French 'Fédération Internationale de Basketball Amateur'. The Word 'Amateur' was dropped in 1986 after the distinction between Amateurs and Professionals was eliminated. The 'A' in FIBA was however left. This was for reasons of tradition and also because of the 'BA' at the beginning of our sport, BASKETBALL!


Who are FIBA?

• FIBA, the world governing body for basketball, is an independent association formed by 213 National federations of basketball throughout the world
• FIBA is recognized as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
• FIBA is a non-profit making organization and, in principle, does not pursue any objective of economic character for its own gains
• The headquarters of FIBA are established in Geneva, Switzerland.

What do FIBA do?

• FIBA establishes the Official Basketball Rules, the specifications for equipment and facilities, and all internal executive regulations that must be applied to all international and Olympic competitions, for which FIBA also establishes the system of competition
• FIBA controls and governs the appointment of international referees
• FIBA regulates the transfer of players from one country to another
• FIBA controls and governs all international competitions.

Boen Sport floors have been awarded the FIBA Study Centre Certificate after being tested against FIBA’s criteria.