Abbreviation BBF Formation 2006 | Motto Game on | |
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Predecessor British & Irish Basketball Federation Type National sports governing body Legal status Private Limited company without share capital (British Performance Basketball Ltd) | ||
British Basketball is the national sports governing body for participation of basketball players from Great Britain for men and women in the Olympics. Northern Irish players are eligible to compete, if desired, for the British Olympic team.
Contents
History
Basketball was created by the Canadian teacher Dr James Naismith. In December 1891 he created the 13 rules that have governed basketball, whilst teaching at what is now Springfield College. Basketball was first played by men at the Berlin Olympics in 1936. Women first played at the 1976 Olympics. In 1992 professional players were allowed.
The British & Irish Basketball Federation (BIBF) was formed in 1960 from funding from the Sports Council. Northern Ireland began to be represented by Basketball Ireland, and in 2004 Ireland left the BIBF.
In October 2004 the BIBF changed its name to Great Britain Basketball.
Formation
In 2006 the British Basketball Federation (BBF) was formed from England Basketball, basketballscotland, and Basketball Wales.
Olympics
Basketball is the only sport in the Olympics where the host team does not have automatic qualification.
Structure
It is based in the offices of UK Sport. It uses sports equipment from the Japanese Molten Corporation. It is sponsored by the Edinburgh-based Standard Life, and by Adidas.
Function
It coordinates international competition of national basketball teams in Great Britain.