From the desk of Michael Kim, OABO Provincial Interpreter…
Rationale
- Voluntary use of a face mask to minimize the spread of COVID-19 is permitted and CBOC/OABO have granted an exemption to prevent violation of FIBA Rule 4.4.2.
RULE 4.4.2(a) – FACE MASK EXEMPTION
- “Surgical, non-surgical or tight-fitting cloth face masks designed to prevent the spread of airborne particulates are permitted to be worn to cover the mouth and nose and shall not be dangerous to the player wearing it or to other players. Gaiters, bandanas and loose-fitting face masks shall not be allowed. All players on a team that choose to wear a face mask are encouraged to wear the same style and colour mask. The face masks shall not have any parts extruding from their surface. Face masks, face shields and/or respirators with leather, plastic, pliable (soft) plastic, metal or any other hard substance that could cut or cause abrasions are not permitted even if covered with soft padding.”
PENALTY – MASK FALLING OFF
- If the face mask comes off during a live ball, the player must stop, pick-up and put the face mask back on securely. Failure to do so will be considered a violation and penalized as such.
Voluntary Masking
- If a player voluntarily elects to wear a face mask when not required by local policy, then the player remains responsible for the mask if it falls off and must either promptly re-secure it or they may discard the mask at their team bench before re-joining play. Failure to do so will be considered a violation and penalized as such.
Additional Considerations
- Be aware of the shot clock scenarios that occur if it is an offensive vs. defensive player’s mask that falls and remains off
- Do not unnecessarily penalize an offensive team if a defensive player’s mask falls off (delay calling violation similar to a defensive player injury)
- If face mask cannot be immediately re-secured, then a substitute is required (coach or bench personnel cannot assist and provide new mask to player – FIBA Rule 5.3)
- Recommend to leagues that players should come to the game with more than one mask in case of damage
- Enforcement of coaches and bench personnel and all COVID-19 related policies are otherwise the responsibility of the site supervisor/convener
OFFICIALS MASK EXEMPTION
- Where referees are required to wear a face mask to officiate, by local policy, the face mask shall be a plain black mask
- A whistle pouch is also permitted to be worn; however, a pouch may not satisfy local requirements
MASK EXEMPTION DATE
- Exemption Expiry: Dec. 31, 2021
- OABO and CBOC will revisit the expiry date prior to its expiration to determine if an extension will be granted
Michael Kim
OABO Provincial Interpreter