The IWBF has published new rules for 3x3 and 5x5 matches ©IWBF

The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) has published new rules for 3x3 and 5x5 matches. 

The update of the rules came after the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) revised its own regulations. 

New versions of the rules are set to come into force on January 1. 

There were no changes made specific to 5x5 wheelchair basketball, but updated terminology has been adopted. 

This includes clarification on the double foul, the unsportsmanlike foul and the player in the act of shooting, as well as introducing a specific section for the application of the instant-replay system.

For 3x3 wheelchair basketball, the number of players per team has been reduced from 5 to 4. 

The number of players in a 3x3 wheelchair basketball team has been reduced from 5 to 4 ©IWBF
The number of players in a 3x3 wheelchair basketball team has been reduced from 5 to 4 ©IWBF

This was decided by the IWBF Executive Council last summer.

"The new versions of both rulebooks are to ensure we stay current and in line with FIBA, where relevant," said IWBF Technical Commission chair Cristian Roja. 

"I would like to thank all those on my Commission who have supported the work to ensure these were able to be published.

"I would also like to thank the Competitions Commission for their cooperation on the revision of the new 3x3 rulebook, in particular the lead on 3x3, Luc Vergoosen."