The BBL have attempted to clear any confusion over the player eligibility rules which come inot affect this season.
Last year the BBL’s and member clubs a
pproved new laws to try and improve chances for British players, and create opportunities for home grown players.
The statement from the BBL said: “The new eligibility allows teams to play a maximum of five non British players per game, of which a maximum of three can be work permitted. All remaining spots on the team have to be filled by British passport holders.
“The criteria replicates a similar model to other European Basketball Leagues, but with greater emphasis on protecting positions for national (British) players, and is a further demonstration of committment by the BBL towards the development of British players.”
Other Basketball League’s examples (as at May 2011):
GERMANY
Minimum of 4 German players if 10 or 11 players are in the score sheet and 5 if the team registers 12. For 2011-2012 season, the ratio will be 4 players if 10 in score sheet, 5 for 11 and 6 for 12. The rest can be foreigners, regardless of their nationality. There will no distinction between Americans, Europeans, etc
GREECE
Each team can register a maximum of 6 foreign players in the score sheet, with no more than 3 players from outside Europe.
ITALY
3 foreign players, regardless of their nationality, in a 10-man roster, plus 2 from FIBA Europe countries and 5 home grown players, one of which can be naturalized.
SPAIN
In the ACB competition, team can have 11 or 12 licenses. For 11-player rosters:
– Minimum 4 players eligible for the National Team
– 2 players from non-FIBA Europe countries ( non mandatory )
– The rest of players, from FIBA Europe countries
TURKEY
Minimum of 5 Turkish players in the roster. Each club is entitled to sign up to 8 foreign players, but no more than 6 under contract at the same time
