As the the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has a big challenge in setting the rules for 212 National federations of basketball throughout the world.
Official Basketball Rules 2024
Basketball Equipment
2. Basketballs
2.1 For Level 1, the outer surface of the ball shall be made of leather or artificial/composite/synthetic leather.
For Level 2, in addition to leather and artificial/composite/ synthetic leather, the outer surface of the ball may be made of rubber.
2.2 The surface of the ball shall comply fully with the relevant local and national legislation including adherence to any applicable safety directives regarding the use of toxic materials and materials which may cause an allergic reaction, including AZO-dyes, soluble heavy metals, Phthalate and PAH. It is the responsibility of the ball manufacturer to test their balls according to applicable legislation.
2.3 The basketball surface shall provide a proper grip over the entire ball.
2.4 The ball shall:
- Be spherical, with a maximum of 12 seams not exceeding 6.35 mm in width and, either of a single shade of orange or of a FIBA approved colour combination.
- Be inflated to an air pressure such that, when it is dropped onto the floor from a height of approximately 1,800 mm measured from the underside of the ball, it shall rebound to a height of between 1,035 and 1,085 mm, measured to the underside of the ball.
- Be marked with the recommended inflation pressure or pressure range.
- Be marked with its respective size number.
- Be within the circumference and weight tolerances outlined in Table 1. For all men’s competitions a size 7 ball shall be used; for all women’s competitions a size 6 ball shall be used; for all mini’s basketball a size 5 or size lightweight 5 ball shall be used.
2.5 In addition to checking the specifications listed above, the ball shall meet the requirements of the following:
- Durability test
- Loss of pressure test
- Inflation stress test (Level 1 only)
- Heat storage test (Level 1 only)
| Ball Size | 7 | 6 | 5 | Lightweight 5 |
| Circumference | 750 – 770 mm | 715 -730 mm | 685 – 700 mm | 685 – 700 mm |
| Weight | 580 – 620 g | 510 – 550 g | 465 – 495 g | 360 – 390 g |
References:
International Basketball Federation – https://fiba.com
Official Basketball Rules 2024 – Equipment – https://assets.fiba.basketball/image/upload/documents-corporate-fiba-official-rules-2024-official-basketball-rules-and-basketball-equipment.pdf
Photo – www.kickstarter.com/projects/shootersrev/evo-onetm-sensorized-basketball-performance-techno
