FIBA issues basketball restart guidelines
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Santi Yusta of Spain in action against Alex Olah of Romania during the FIBA EuroBasket qualifiers Group A match in Cluj Napoca, Romania, February 20, 2020. /VCG

Santi Yusta of Spain in action against Alex Olah of Romania during the FIBA EuroBasket qualifiers Group A match in Cluj Napoca, Romania, February 20, 2020. /VCG

Guidelines for National Federations were published by FIBA on Tuesday to provide suggestions for restarting basketball activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the guidelines, FIBA called on National Federations all over the world to form a restart oversight committee and undertake a full risk and mitigation assessment as parts of initial preparations before the restart of the domestic basketball competitions and activities.

The guidelines suggested the national basketball associations allow their teams to have three-to-six weeks of training which begins with the individual style prior to the restart.

Measures should be taken to ensure the health of all players and attendances, including holding off unnecessary contact, such as handshakes, high fives, between players, referees and other game officials, as well as avoiding engagement with fans.

FIBA EuroBasket 2021 qualifiers between Germany and France in Vechta Rasta Dome, Germany, February 21, 2020. /VCG

FIBA EuroBasket 2021 qualifiers between Germany and France in Vechta Rasta Dome, Germany, February 21, 2020. /VCG

Showering before and after the game and the constant use of hand sanitizers during the game has also been recommended by FIBA. Teams are also encouraged to practice social distancing during training and even on the bench area during games.

Venues and the basketballs being used must also been consistently sanitized.

FIBA said that the guidelines are not mandatory and only serve as a guide, adding that it is not intended to replace the guidance and restrictions of governments and public health authorities considering that the COVID-19 situations are different in the different countries.

(With input from agencies)