Highlands warned to heed new basketball rules

BASKETBALL teams in the highlands region competing in the PNG games at Kokopo in November are urged to know the changes of rules in the game.
Senior highlands basketball technical person John Parciegan said many changes have been made in the game and that is why teams and officials are urged to know them before they can take part.
Teams from the seven highlands provinces: Eastern highlands, Chimbu, Jiwaka, Western Highlands, Enga, Southern Highlands and Hela must know the latest changes in rules.
“A change has been made and I want to make this appeal to all teams, officials and the coaches to learn these rules before you can take part,” Parciegan said.
“This will create confusion that can in the end make a lot of discussions when many will use old rules that are no longer applicable.”
He said this would create confusion and it will better if teams and officials come together and learn of them so that they would not get confused later.
“I want to raise this issue of rule changes that have not been communicated  to everyone (in the Highlands) by the PNG basketball federation and this will cause many complaints and disputes,” Parciegan said.
He offered the associations his help and said he would be available to go to the various locations in the region and conduct referesher courses.
He can be contacted on 7141 2860 if teams had any queries on the rules. change of rules and needed assistance before leaving for the games.
“Currently there are no competitive competition staged in the highlands and that is why I believe the region must implement these rules,” Parciegan said.
He said it must be taught the sooner or better because there is not enough time left.
“I can be called in to assist you if you are not sure of what I’m talking of here,” he said.
Parciegan said he can be reached on 71412860 if teams have any queries on the change of rules and needed assistance before leaving for the games.
He said this assistance will be of free of charge and he is willing to help teams to participate well in the PNG games with the new changes.
“I want them to perform well and want them to contact me so that I can help them to know these rules very well.”