FIBA Youth and Small Countries European Championships Event Manual 2022

The FIBA Youth and Small Countries European Championships Event Manual 2022 is the definitive guide for national federations, organizing committees, officials and volunteers who are involved in the execution of the 2022 edition of the competition. This page summarises the most important sections of the manual, explains how the tournament is structured, and highlights the key responsibilities that each stakeholder must fulfil.

1. Introduction

The Manual aims to guarantee a consistent, transparent and safe environment for all participants. It covers both the U16 and U18 youth categories as well as the Small Countries tournament, which brings together nations with developing basketball programmes.

2. Competition Overview

The 2022 Championships consist of three distinct events:

• U16 Mens a 12team format split into a preliminary round and knockout stage.
• U18 Womens a 10team roundrobin followed by placement games.
• Small Countries a combined mens and womens competition for federations with fewer than 1,000 registered players.

2.1 Calendar

3. Organizational Structure

The event is coordinated by three main bodies:

• FIBA Europe sets overall policy, approves the competition format and provides technical support.
• Local Organising Committee (LOC) responsible for venue management, accommodation, transport and local promotion.
• National Federations submit team rosters, arrange travel for athletes and staff, and ensure compliance with eligibility rules.

3.1 Roles & Responsibilities

4. Venue Requirements

All competition halls must conform to FIBAapproved specifications:

• Playing surface: 28m15m, covered with a certified parquet floor.
• Lighting: Minimum 1500 lux evenly distributed.
• Seating capacity: At least 2000 for the main court, 500 for secondary courts.
• Scoreboards: Dualdisplay, realtime timer and shotclock.
• Medical facilities: Onsite firstaid room plus access to a nearby hospital.

5. Accreditation & Eligibility

All participantsplayers, officials, staff and volunteersmust obtain a digital accreditation badge. The Manual outlines the following eligibility criteria:

• Players must be born in the appropriate year range (U16: 20062007, U18: 20042005).
• Each federation may register a maximum of 12 players per team.
• Players must hold a valid passport of the representing country and possess a clean antidoping record.
• Officials must be FIBAlicensed and have completed the mandatory pretournament seminar.

6. Competition Regulations

The core rules follow the official FIBA Basketball Rules with a few competitionspecific amendments:

• Timeouts Each team gets two 60second timeouts per half.
• Overtime Unlimited 5minute periods until a winner is decided.
• Fouls Team fouls reset each quarter; after the fifth team foul the opposing team receives two free throws.
• Video Replay Available for buzzerbeater situations and flagrant fouls at the main venue only.

7. Medical & AntiDoping Protocols

The Manual reinforces FIBAs commitment to a clean sport:

• All athletes undergo a precompetition medical examination.
• Random doping controls are conducted by an accredited laboratory.
• Any positive test results in immediate disqualification and a possible ban from future FIBA events.
• Medical staff must have a valid European firstaid certification and be present for every game.

8. Broadcasting & Media

Games will be streamed live via the official FIBA YouTube channel and regional broadcasters. The Manual mandates the following for media partners:

• All footage must include the FIBA logo and appropriate competition branding.
• Commentary must be delivered in the language of the host nation, with optional English subtitles.
• Media accreditation is granted on a firstcome, firstserved basisapplications close 48hours before the opening ceremony.

9. Sustainability Initiatives

2022 marks the first year that the Championships incorporate a green agenda:

• Paperless accreditation and digital match reports.
• Reusable water bottles provided to athletes and officials.
• Local transportation encouraged through shuttle services and bikesharing programs.
• All venues use energyefficient LED lighting.

10. Contact Information

For further details, the following contacts are available:

• FIBA Europe Competition Office competitions@fiba.europe.org
• Budapest LOC U16 Mens info@budapest2022.org
• Prague LOC U18 Womens contact@prague2022.org
• Vilnius LOC Small Countries support@vilnius2022.org

By adhering to the guidelines set out in the 2022 Event Manual, all stakeholders ensure a highquality, safe and memorable experience for players, officials and fans across Europe.