Canada Basketball and the Canadian Basketball Officials Commission (CBOC), with the support of Basketball Manitoba and the Manitoba Association of Basketball Officials (MABO), have announced the release of new national guidelines on the wearing of faith-based items and spiritual artifacts during basketball games, which took effect September 1, 2025.
The new policy provides a clear and consistent approach to accommodating players who wear religious or spiritual items, such as head coverings, bracelets, prayer objects, symbolic jewellery, or sacred threads. The purpose is to balance inclusivity and respect for religious expression with the paramount importance of player safety under FIBA rules.
Key Points and Changes to Note:
Inclusion and Respect: Items of religious or spiritual significance may be worn if they are secured and pose no safety risk.
Clarity for Officials: Referees are instructed to permit recognized religious articles if safely secured, and to work with coaches for clarification when items are unfamiliar.
Adjustments for Safety: Items must be covered, padded, or secured with materials such as cloth, tape, or sweatbands to minimize risk. Unsafe items may not be worn unless they have been rendered safe.
Coach Responsibility: Coaches must notify officials before the game if players are wearing religious articles.
Reporting and Education: Officials are expected to report unfamiliar items, safety concerns, or accommodations made to governing bodies for review and education.
No Penalty: Players will not be penalized for attempting to wear religious articles; instead, adjustments and respectful accommodations will be the priority.
These guidelines affirm Canada Basketball’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and religious freedom, while providing referees, coaches, and players with a clear framework for managing faith-based items in games.
For more information or questions about these guidelines, contact certification@basketball.ca
