An opportunity to speed up the game was at the forefront of a Maritime Women’s Basketball Association rule change for 2026.
The MWBA opens its fifth season this weekend and fans, players and officials will see a new wrinkle that may stir some memory banks.
There will be a no touch backcourt ruling in place, designed to speed up the game and take the ball out of the hands of officials prior to some inbounding.
Here is a summary:
- When Team A commits a violation, the new offensive team can take the basketball, run to the nearest out of bounds line, and inbound the ball. Officials do not need to touch the ball.
- The clock will stop from the moment the whistle blows until the ball is inbounded by new Team A.
- When there is a held ball, the officials will administer the throw-in in accordance with FIBA rules.
- When there is a 24-second shot clock violation, the officials will administer the violation as per FIBA rules.
- If there is a substitution at the table for the new Team A, the clock operator can sound the horn to alert the officials that there is a substitution opportunity.
- If there is a substitution at the table for only the new Team B (on defence), it is not a substitution opportunity.
- If there are substitutions at the table for both teams, it is a substitution opportunity.
- If there is a foul, regular FIBA substitution opportunities are in play.
- A time out may be called by either team after a violation; provided that the team that is gaining control of the ball, either after a score or because of a violation is not out of bounds facing the court (a late time out request). After a score, the new Team A may call a time out. Team B cannot call a time out to stop Team A’s offensive play.
- If a violation or score occurs and a team is gaining control of the ball, then a time-out may be called (by either team after a violation or by the new Team A after a score) provided the player gaining control is not already out of bounds facing the court (late request), and the opposing team may not call a time-out to stop that team’s offensive play.
Absolutely No Jewelry
The MWBA has cited player safety as its No. 1 concern.
‘Our players are role models for young players and seeing them follow FIBA rules will be important in their development and understanding of the game,’ said MWBA commissioner, Jen Lloyd of Dartmouth, NS. ‘It’s all about safety. All of our teams need to ensure their players aware of this rule.’
The following items are not permitted: Finger, hand, wrist, elbow, or forearm guards, helmets, casts, or braces made of leather, plastic, pliable (soft) plastic, metal or any other hard substance, Even if covered with soft padding such as tape or a Band-aid, objects that could cut or cause abrasions (fingernails must be closely cut), hair accessories and all jewelry.
MWBA Discipline Guide
Player
- If a player commits five personal fouls in a game, then the player is excluded for the remainder of the game. No additional penalty applies.
- If a player receives two technical fouls in a game, the player is disqualified and must leave the playing area. The player receives an additional one-game suspension (next game)
- If a player receives two unsportsmanlike fouls in a game, the player is disqualified and must leave the playing area. The player receives an additional one-game suspension (next game)
- If a player receives one technical foul and one unsportsmanlike foul in a game, the player is disqualified and must leave the playing area. The player receives an additional one-game suspension (next game)
Coach/Manager
- If a head coach receives two technical fouls for personal unsportsmanlike behaviour, or three technical fouls total, the head coach is disqualified for the remainder of the game and must go to and remain in the team dressing room. Coach receives an additional one-game suspension (next game).
– Officials like veteran Kyle Woodworth will be part of the MWBA speeding up the game this season. (DW Photo)
