The Cyprus Basketball Federation is a member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) since 1972 and is a founding member of the European Basketball Federation (FIBA Europe). These memberships in international organizations strengthen Cypriot basketball and allow the country to participate in international competitions and tournaments, while also ensuring the continuous development of the sport in Cyprus.

Main Objectives of the Federation:

1. Management, dissemination, elevation, and promotion of basketball: The Federation works towards the development of basketball in all its forms, from establishing it as a popular sport to enhancing its presence in all social and athletic activities.
2. Organization and supervision of basketball championships, as well as granting licenses for these events: The Federation is responsible for organizing domestic competitions and for approving and overseeing local tournaments, ensuring proper organization and compliance with regulations.
3. International representation of basketball: The Federation represents basketball at an international level, participating in tournaments and collaborating with other international sports organizations to promote the sport.
4. Development of the spirit of competition and fostering sportsmanship among athletes and fans: The Federation promotes fair competition and the cultivation of sportsmanship among athletes and supporters, aiming to strengthen cooperation and respect both on and off the court.

History of Basketball

What is Basketball?

Basketball is a popular team sport played by two teams of five players on a rectangular court. The objective of the game is to score points by shooting the basketball through the opposing team’s hoop, which is positioned 10 feet (3.05 meters) above the ground. Each time the ball goes through the hoop, the team scores points. The teams aim to score as many points as possible while preventing the other team from scoring.

By Whom, Where, and When Was Basketball Invented?

Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1891 at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. Dr. Naismith, a physical education instructor, created the game as a way to keep his students active during the winter months, as other sports were not suitable for indoor play.

Naismith wrote down 13 basic rules for the game and hung a peach basket on the elevated track of the gymnasium. The players used a soccer ball, and the goal was to throw the ball into the basket to score points. The first game of basketball was played with nine players on each team. The game quickly gained popularity and evolved into the sport we know today.

What Are the Rules of Basketball?

1. Scoring:
   • Points are awarded when a player successfully makes a shot into the opponent’s hoop.
   • A field goal (shot made from anywhere on the court) is worth 2 points.
   • A shot made from beyond the 3-point line is worth 3 points.
   • Free throws (taken from the free-throw line) are worth 1 point each.
2. Game Duration:
   • A basketball game consists of four quarters, each typically lasting 12 minutes (in the NBA) or 10 minutes (in other leagues).
   • If the game is tied at the end of the regulation time, it goes into overtime to determine the winner.
3. Offense and Defense:
   • The team with possession of the ball (the offense) tries to score points, while the team without the ball (the defense) attempts to prevent the offense from scoring.
   • A team has 24 seconds to attempt a shot on the offense (in the NBA, it’s 24 seconds; in other leagues, it could be 30 or 35 seconds).
   • Players are not allowed to walk or run with the ball without dribbling (bouncing the ball with one hand).
4. Fouls:
   • Players must avoid illegal physical contact with opponents (such as pushing, hitting, or holding).
   • A foul results in the opposing team being awarded possession or free throws, depending on the situation.
   • If a player accumulates five or six fouls (depending on the league), they are disqualified from the game.
5. Jump Ball:
   • At the start of the game and after certain stoppages, a jump ball occurs. Two players, one from each team, jump to try to gain possession of the ball.

Basketball and the Olympics:

Basketball made its Olympic debut as a demonstration sport at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. It became an official Olympic sport at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, where both men’s and women’s basketball competitions were included.

Since then, basketball has been a part of every Summer Olympics, becoming one of the most popular and competitive sports at the Games. Teams from the United States, the former Soviet Union (before its dissolution), Yugoslavia, and other countries have historically been dominant in Olympic basketball.

NBA and the Global Reach of Basketball:

The NBA (National Basketball Association) is the premier professional basketball league globally, established in 1946. It is the most prestigious basketball competition, featuring the world’s best players. The success of the NBA has significantly increased the sport’s global popularity and has turned basketball into one of the most widely played and followed sports worldwide.

In conclusion, basketball is one of the most popular and recognized sports across the globe, with millions of players, fans, and enthusiasts involved in the sport at both amateur and professional levels.