men’s basketball sports structures prepared by the...

Men’s Basketball Sports Structures Prepared by the Amateurism Certification Staff August 2011

The following documents were drafted by the NCAA Eligibility Center’s amateurism certification staff and are intended to provide useful information to the NCAA membership regarding international men’s basketball structures. The staff gathered the information included hereafter during the course of its reviews, analyses of written federation and league rules, and through direct correspondence with international entities and third parties with knowledge of the structures described. It is envisioned that this information will be used to provide general, baseline information to our member institutions to assist with recruitment of international prospective student-athletes. Institutions should continue to work collaboratively with the amateurism certification staff to gather the specific and often unique athletics experiences of their prospective student-athletes and appropriately apply NCAA amateurism legislation to those facts. Notably, due to the often difficult circumstances relating to the ability to gather complete and accurate information from international entities, not to mention obvious language barriers, the staff cannot guarantee that information gathered during every review will correspond exactly with the information in these documents. Moreover, it is not uncommon for the statuses of federations, teams, leagues and athletes in a particular league to change from year to year. Additionally, with the recent changes in Division I professional team legislation, it is to be anticipated that an increasing number of differently compensated prospective student-athletes will seek certification in the future. The above described status changes and the possibility for new and potentially different information to be obtained by the staff as more prospective student-athletes request certification may require frequent supplementation or amendment and could render existing information outdated. For these reasons, member institutions should not rely solely on this information when it comes to recruiting and admission decisions. Accordingly, information included herein may not be used in reinstatement or waiver requests. Questions relating to international men’s basketball, either as outlined in the following documents or generally, should be directed to the NCAA Eligibility Center amateurism certification staff.

Last updated August 17, 2011.

AUSTRALIA

Leagues. The top leagues in Australia are the following:

1. National Basketball League (NBL).

2. State-Based Leagues.

a. South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL).

b. Big V.

c. Central ABL.

d. Queensland Australian Basketball League (QABL).

e. Waratah.

3. Australian State Basketball League (SBL).

National Basketball League. Website: http://www.nbl.com.au

Overview: Self-recognized as “one of the premiere basketball leagues in the world,” the

National Basketball League (NBL) is the top professional basketball league in Australia. Most

NBL teams feature one or two American players (teams are limited to having two non-

Australians on the roster at any one time). The inclusion of foreign players highlights the

professional make-up of the NBL, a league where most players are paid above actual and

necessary expenses. [Note: There have been instances where junior players stated that they

were not compensated for their participation.] Adding to the professional component of the NBL

– all nine teams in the league are sponsored by major corporations, NBL teams abide by a

$1,000,000 salary cap, the NBL’s home page contains a database of league certified agents, and

NBL rosters are riddled with players having agents and former NCAA basketball players seeking

to continue their basketball careers in Australia.

All players in the NBL sign some form of agreement and some of these agreements provide for

compensation above actual and necessary expenses. In some instances there have been players

that have only signed a “registration form.” Though this form has been interpreted as being a

professional contract under the old professional team legislation because it enabled a prospective

student-athlete to compete with a professional team, the form did not stipulate compensation.

Application of NCAA Amateurism Legislation. The following information is based on the

academic certification staff’s experience with Australian prospective student-athletes with NBL

experience.

Division I:

An agreement was signed. [Note: Players who compete in NBL games will have signed

either a professional contract and/or a player registration form. All players will have

signed some type of agreement.]

http://www.nbl.com.au/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_professional_sports_leagues

AUSTRALIA

July, 2011

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Strong likelihood for payment above actual and necessary expenses if the prospective

student-athlete signed an NBL contract.

Prospective student-athletes who enrolled in college before fall 2010 would trigger

competition with professionals’ legislation.

Possible agent concerns.

Any participation in the NBL will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

Division II:

Any participation in the NBL will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2.

Information to gather from prospective student-athlete’s who competed in the NBL.

Contract: NBL agreements outline payments, conditions on the player, etc. [Note: If a

prospective student-athlete was considered a “developmental player” he would not have

signed a professional contract.]

Player Registration Form: Agreement signed with the NBL that ensures that a player

abides by the league’s rules, including disciplinary matters and anti-doping regulations.

[Note: All NBL players must sign a registration form.]

Information relating to whether the prospective student-athlete was on the roster as a

member of the team’s developmental squad or was a full-time (regular) member of the

team. [Note: If the player is a member of the developmental squad, they will only be

allowed to participate in home contests.]

State-Based Leagues. Website: http://www.ababasketball.net.au

Overview. There are five state-based leagues that previously competed in the Australian

Basketball Association (SEABL East and South, Big V, Central ABL, QABL, and Waratah). The

leagues have similar rules (e.g., they can only have two foreign-born athletes on their team at any

one time); however, there are small differences between each of the leagues’ rules and

regulations.

The professional make-up of the teams in these state-based leagues varies significantly from

league-to-league and season-to-season. Accordingly, a prospective student-athlete’s amateur

http://www.ababasketball.net.au/

AUSTRALIA

July, 2011

Page No. 3

_________

status must be reviewed in conjunction with the specific state league, team and years of

participation.

South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL).

The SEABL is generally considered the strongest and most professional of the five state-based

leagues with teams competing in Victoria as well as Canberra, Tasmania and Queensland. Many

of the players in the professional NBL started their career in the SEABL. The SEABL is divided

into two leagues, the East and South, and many of the teams have a developmental squad

affiliated with the top-level team. Accordingly, there may be play-up or play-down concerns

depending on the prospective student-athlete’s enrollment date.

The SEABL does not mandate that every player must sign a contract. Each club manages this

individually. All overseas athletes and those athletes playing also in the NBL would sign a

contract but often these players are older and would not be looking to participate in NCAA

athletics. All players must be registered with both their club and their State Association.

Moreover, some SEABL clubs ask each of their players to sign a club agreement which outlines

the club rules (e.g. code of conduct, attending functions, coaching responsibilities, etc.).

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Website: http://www.seabl.com.au/

The AIS competed in the SEABL up until 2010 but is not competing in the SEABL in 2011. The

AIS is the center of excellence for basketball in Australia where athletes identified for

representation on Australian national teams are scholarship holders. Every year the ACP staff

processes several cases of prospective student-athletes who attend AIS. Though the AIS

basketball team did participate in the SEABL, to date the ACP staff has not identified any Bylaw

12 concerns with AIS players.

Big V. Website: http://www.bigv.com.au/

The Big V is comprised of five different leagues (Champions Division, Division 1, Division 2,

Division 3 and Youth League). The Big V is one level below the SEABL in Victoria state-based

leagues. Teams participating in the Big V’s Champions Division are often comprised of foreign

players and older Australians who list having agents. Most Champions Division teams are

connected with teams in the Youth Division, and there are some Champions Division players

who play-down and Youth Division players who play-up. Teams participating in the Big V’s

Division 1, 2 or 3 are less likely to cause professionalism issues (especially in the lower

Divisions 2 and 3). These teams are not connected with teams in the Champions Division.

http://www.seabl.com.au/

http://www.bigv.com.au/

AUSTRALIA

July, 2011

Page No. 4

_________

Central ABL. Website: http://www.centralabl.com.au/

The Central ABL labels itself as “the premier basketball competition for South Australia's elite

men's teams.” The Central ABL consists of ten teams; two of which have foreigners on their

roster, with the remainder more localized and comprised exclusively of Australians. Central

ABL has adopted an “amateur contract” for their players to sign. Moreover, all Central ABL

players must sign a registration form.

The Queensland Australian Basketball League (QABL).

Website: http://www.sportingpulse.com/

The QABL is comprised of 14 teams who play in the Champions League. The majority of these

teams are affiliated with one of the three developmental leagues (Tropical Youth League, CQ D-

League and Southern D-League). Players on a developmental league team can play-up for

competitions with teams in the Champions League. The QABL has not adopted the amateur

contract and contracts are only signed by those players receiving money or who are from

overseas. All QABL players sign a registration form that outlines the League’s “code of

conduct.”

Waratah. Website. http://www.waratah.basketball.net.au/

Formerly the New South Wales Conference, Waratah is often considered one of the most

amateur of all the ABA Leagues. Only foreign-born Waratah players sign contracts. All teams

are Association-based and must have a men’s and women’s program as well as junior teams – so

play-up and play-down issues may need to be reviewed depending on the prospective student

athlete’s enrollment date.

Application of NCAA Amateurism Legislation for State-Based leagues.

Division I:

Possibility that an agreement was signed (especially for foreign-born players).

Strong possibility of payment above actual and necessary expenses for top players.

Any participation in the state-based leagues will constitute organized competition under

NCAA Division I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

http://www.centralabl.com.au/

http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-4144-0-0-0&sID=49564

http://www.waratah.basketball.net.au/

AUSTRALIA

July, 2011

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_________

Division II:

Any participation in the state-based leagues will constitute organized competition under

NCAA Division II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2.

Australian State Basketball League.

Overview. The Australian State Basketball League (SBL) is a regional basketball league.

Several current and former NCAA players have played in the SBL. The SBL is an amateur

league.

Application of NCAA Amateurism Legislation.

Division I:

No professional concerns.

Any participation in the SBL will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division I

Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

Division II:

Any participation in the SBL will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Leagues. The top five basketball divisions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are the following:

1. D1.

2. D2 (comprised of A1, D1 Srpska Liga and Herceg-Bosne leagues).

3. Lower divisions (three Liga R leagues, three A2 leagues and D2 Srpska).

The D1 League. Federation website: http://www.basket.ba/

Overview. The basketball championship of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the top basketball competition in the country. The league is comprised mainly of players from Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it is not uncommon to find players from other Balkan countries (primarily Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia) playing for Bosnian teams. Some teams have occasionally had an import player from the United States or Europe. According to Eurobasket profiles, top players in the A1 league typically have agents. The league is composed of 12 teams, with each team playing others twice, once at home and once on the road. At the end of this stage, the top six move on to “League 8” to compete against each other and Bosnia and Herzegovina's two representatives in the Adriatic League, KK Bosna and HKK Široki. This level is commonly referred to as Stage Two. The top four finishers of Stage Two then go to the playoffs, culminating in a final best-of-five series, in which a Bosnian champion is crowned. [Note: In some years only four teams move on to Stage Two, and the League is instead referred to as “League 6,” because six teams compete rather than eight.] The eight teams that do not make the playoffs compete in the "relegation league," where each team competes to maintain its standing to play in D1 competition the following year. The two teams that finish lowest in the standings are relegated down to D2. Meanwhile, the winners of two D2 Leagues (A1 and D1 Srpska Liga) are invited to be promoted to D1 competition the next year. [Note: At the end of the 2009-10 season, the winner of the Herceg-Bosne League (also considered D2 level) was also promoted to D1 competition, making the 2010-11 season a competition starting with 13 teams.]

League Registration Information. According to the bylaws of the Basketball Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted on January 26, 2010, all players are required to register with the league and sign a statement/application to play. If a player is under 18, the registration document must be signed by his parent or legal guardian. Additionally, each player signs a contract with his club setting forth the parties’ respective rights and obligations. Contracts will be one of three types (as directly translated from federation rules): (a) profesionalni ugovori (professional contracts), (b) ugovori o stipendiranjui I sportskom usavrsavanju (contracts on issuance of a stipend and on sports development), or (c) ugovori o materijalnoj stimulaciji (contracts on material incentive).

http://www.basket.ba/�

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball�

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosnia_and_Herzegovina�

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NLB_League�

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KK_Bosna�

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HKK_%C5%A0iroki�

BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA July, 2011 Page No. 2 _________

Application of NCAA Amateurism Legislation. The following information is based on the amateurism certification staff’s experience with prospective student-athletes from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Division I:

• Strong likelihood that an agreement was signed. • Top-level players have a strong likelihood for payment above actual and necessary

expenses. • Professional team analysis is a strong concern for prospective student-athletes that enrolled

in college before fall 2010.

• Any participation in the D1 League will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

Division II:

• Any participation in the D1 League will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2.

The D2 League. Federation website: http://www.basket.ba/

Overview. D2 Competition is the second level in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is comprised of three separate leagues: A1, D1 Srpska Liga and Herceg-Bosne. Each League has 11 to 12 teams that are easily identifiable through Eurobasket. The teams in these leagues are typically comprised of players from Bosnia, with the rare exception being a player from another neighboring Balkan country. The league does not market itself as a professional league and the teams are not believed to meet the NCAA definition of a professional team. However, the potential movement of a team from the D2 level up to D1 as the team and/or league develops can create cause for concern.


Division I: • Possibility that the best players are receiving payment above actual and necessary

expenses.

http://www.basket.ba/�


• Professional team analysis is a potential concern for prospective student-athletes who enrolled in college before fall 2010.

• Any participation in the D2 League will constitute organized competition under NCAA

Division I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

Division II:

• Any participation in the D2 League will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2.

Lower divisions.

Application of NCAA Amateurism Legislation. Division I: • Very unlikely that even the best players are receiving payment above actual and necessary

expenses. • Professional team analysis is a potential concern for prospective student-athletes that

enrolled in college before fall 2010. • Participation in a Liga R division, A2 division or in D2 Srpska will constitute organized

competition under NCAA Division I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

Division II:

• Any participation in the LBL will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2.

Information to gather from prospective student-athletes from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Any signed document. • Ask questions relating to playing for teams in other Balkan countries such as Serbia,

Montenegro, Croatia and Kosovo.


Inter-League Play.

Adriatic League. Two teams (KK Bosna and HKK Široki) also participate in the Adriatic League and join the D1 league at Stage Two. The Adriatic League features teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia, all of which are former republics of SFR Yugoslavia. Each team plays every other team home and away and the top teams advance to a playoff round to crown a league champion. Adriatic League clubs play in domestic leagues at the same time, and some also play in the Euroleague.

Euroleague. The Euroleague features teams from throughout Europe. Team selection in the Euroleague is based on a formula derived from competitive performance, television revenues and home attendance. Bosnia and Herzegovina teams rarely qualify for Euroleague competition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KK_Bosna�

BRAZIL

Leagues. The top three leagues/divisions in Brazil are the following:

1. Brazilian National League (BNL), known as the LNB in Brazil.

2. Paulista League.

3. Regional Leagues.

A defunct league, the NLB, was created in 2005 in an attempt to replace the BNL. Some BNL

teams joined the NLB temporarily, returning to the BNL after a year.

The Brazilian National League. Website. http://www.liganacionaldebasquete.com.br

Overview. The BNL is the Brazilian National League and is sponsored by the Brazilian

Basketball Federation. The championship of the BNL teams is referred to as the New Basketball

Brazil (NBB). The Brazilian Basketball Federation is known as Confederacao Brasileiro de

Basketball (CBB).


ACP staff’s experience with Brazilian prospective student-athletes.

Division I:

Possibility that an agreement was signed.

Strong possibility for payment above actual and necessary expenses.

Professional team analysis is a strong concern for prospects that enrolled in college before

fall 2010.

Participation in the BNL will constitute organized competition.

Division II:

Participation in the BNL will constitute organized competition.

Post-enrollment concerns are similar to those listed above for Division I.

Information to gather from prospective student-athletes who competed in the BNL League.

All signed documents.

Payment information if applicable.

http://www.liganacionaldebasquete.com.br/

BRAZIL

July, 2011

Page No. 2

_________

If old rule is applicable or for Division II transfers, the highest salary for any player on the

prospective student-athlete’s team each season.

If old rule is applicable or for Division II transfers, the number of games in which the

prospective student-athlete competed for the team.

Paulista League. Website. http://www.fpb.com.br

Overview. Paulista is a state-based league. The teams vary in size and level of play. Some of

the teams also play in the BNL during part of the year.


amateurism certification (ACP) staff’s experience with Brazilian prospective student-athletes

who have Paulista League experience.

Division I:

Possibility that there has been payment above actual and necessary expenses.

Professional team analysis is a possible concern for prospective student-athletes who

enrolled in college before fall 2010.

Participation in the Paulista League will constitute organized competition.

Division II:

Participation in the Paulista League will constitute organized competition.


Information to gather from prospective student-athletes who competed in the Paulista

League.





http://www.fpb.com.br/

BRAZIL

July, 2011

Page No. 3

_________



Regional Leagues.

Overview. Brazil has over 700 FIBA registered clubs, with primarily local and regional play.

Occasionally a team may exist at a regional level, but also compete in the BNL. (Example:

Pitagoras/Minas.)


amateurism certification staff’s experience with Brazilian prospective student-athletes with

regional league experience.

Division I:

Low possibility that there has been payment above actual and necessary expenses.

Professional team analysis is a possible concern for prospective student-athletes who


Participation in a regional league will most likely constitute organized competition.

Division II:

Participation in a regional league will most likely constitute organized competition.


Information to gather from prospective student-athletes who competed in a regional

league.







CROATIA

Leagues. The top four basketball leagues/divisions in Croatia are the following:

1. A-1 League.

2. A-2 League.

3. B and C Leagues.

The A Leagues. Website. http://www.hks-cbf.hr/ Overview. According to the Registration Regulations of the Croatian Basketball Federation, dated July 2008, the highest level clubs are organized as follows: (a) clubs with professional status in A-1 men’s league; (b) clubs with amateur status in A-1 men’s league; and (c) clubs in the A-2 men’s league. Clubs in each of these three categories must meet specific requirements relating to the number of players that it has under each of three types of contracts: (a) Contract of Sport Specialization, (b) Contract of Amateur Play, and (c) Contract of Professional Play. The A-1 League.

Overview. The A-1 league is the top men’s Croatian league. Team rules vary based on whether the A-1 team has “professional status” under Croatian regulations. Every club in the A-1 men’s league must register with the Registry of Professional Clubs that is kept by the Ministry of Sports, or it is considered an amateur sports club under those regulations. A-1 teams also compete in the Euroleague and the Adriatic League.

Clubs with professional status in the A-1 league can license a maximum of 20 players during a competition season, regardless of whether they are junior or senior players. Out of this number, at least 11 players must have Contracts of Professional Play. Other players who do not have professional status must have a Contract of Amateur Play or Contract of Sports Specialization. A club with professional status that falls to the lower competition level (the A-2 league) can retain up to nine contracts of professional play in the lower competition level for the next competition season. Clubs with amateur status in the A-1 league can license a maximum of 20 players during a competition season, regardless of whether they are junior or senior players. At most, nine of those players can have Contracts of Professional Play. Other players who do not have professional status must have a Contract of Amateur Play or Contract of Sports Specialization. Adriatic League. The Adriatic League features teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia, all of which are former republics of SFR Yugoslavia. Four Croatian A-1 teams also participate in the Adriatic League and join the A-1 league at a later stage each season. Each Adriatic League club plays in its country’s domestic league and some also play in the Euroleague. Adriatic League competition consists of each team playing every

http://www.hks-cbf.hr/

CROATIA July, 2011 Page No. 2 _________ other team home and away, with the top teams advancing to a playoff round to crown a league champion. Euroleague. The Euroleague features the best teams from throughout Europe and team selection is based on a formula derived from competitive performance, television revenues and home attendance. One Croatian A-1 team has participated in the Euroleague for at least the past five years (Cibona). Application of NCAA Amateurism Legislation. The following information is based on the amateurism certification staff’s experience with Croatian prospective student-athletes with experience in the A-1 League. Division I: • Strong likelihood that an agreement was signed. • Possibility for payment above actual and necessary expenses (stronger likelihood for senior

players). • Professional team analysis is a strong concern for prospective student-athletes who enrolled

in college before fall 2010. • Any participation in the A-1 League will constitute organized competition under NCAA

Division I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5. Division II: • Any participation in the A-1 League will constitute organized competition under NCAA

Division II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2.

• Post-enrollment concerns are similar to those listed above for Division I. The A-2 League.

Overview. The A-2 League is the second men’s Croatian league. Clubs with a team in the A-2 league can license a maximum of 20 players during a competition season, regardless of whether they are senior or junior players. At most, nine players can have Professional Contracts. Other licensed players can, but are not required to, have Contracts of Amateur Play or Contracts of Sports Specialization.

Application of NCAA Amateurism Legislation. The following information is based on the amateurism certification staff’s experience with Croatian prospective student-athletes with experience in the A-2 League.

CROATIA July, 2011 Page No. 3 _________ Division I: • Possibility that an agreement was signed. • Possibility for payment above actual and necessary expenses. • Professional team analysis is a strong concern for prospective student-athletes who enrolled


• Any participation in the A-2 League will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

Division II: • Any participation in the A-2 League will constitute organized competition under NCAA


• Post-enrollment concerns are similar to those listed above for NCAA Division I.

B and C Leagues.

Overview. B and C leagues are lower leagues that are not presently considered to be a risk for Division I professional concerns. Clubs with a team in the B or C League can license a maximum of 20 players during a competition season, regardless of whether they are senior or junior players. They can, but are not required to have, signed Contracts of Amateur Play with a maximum ten senior Players. Other licensed players can, but are not required to have Contracts of Sports Specialization.

Application of NCAA Amateurism Legislation. The following information is based on the amateurism certification staff’s experience with Croatian prospective student-athletes with experience in the B League.

Division I: • Possibility that some sort of agreement was signed. • Low probability for payment above actual and necessary expenses. • Professional team analysis is not a strong concern for prospective student-athletes who


CROATIA July, 2011 Page No. 4 _________ • Any participation in the B and C Leagues will constitute organized competition under

NCAA Division I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5. Division II: • Any participation in the B and C Leagues will constitute organized competition under

NCAA Division II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2.

• Post-enrollment concerns are similar to those listed above for NCAA Division I.

Information to gather from prospective student-athletes who competed in Croatia.

• All signed agreements, including Contracts of Professional Play, Contract of Amateur Play or Contract of Sports Specialization.

• Gross amount of monthly stipend or salary provided to prospective student-athlete if

applicable. • Lodging arrangements and whether team provided the expense cost-free or at a reduced

price. • Number of meals per week provided by the club. • As close to actual values for all other Bylaw 12.02.4(a) expenses including

contemporaneous documentation. • If old rule is applicable or for Division II transfers, the highest salary provided to any

player on the prospective student-athlete’s team each season. • If old rule is applicable or for Division II transfers, the number of games in which the


FRANCE

Leagues. The top five basketball leagues/divisions in France are the following:

1. LNB Pro A.

2. LNB Pro B.

3. NM1.

4. NM2.

5. NM3.

The Ligue Nationale de Basket (Pro A and B). Website. http://www.lnb.fr/

Overview. The Ligue Nationale de Basket (LNB) is the top men’s French professional

basketball league, and consists of two divisions, Pro A and Pro B. Teams move back and forth

from Pro A and B through a relegation/promotion system that also involves the Nationale

Masculine (NM) 1 league. The two teams with the worst regular season record in Pro A are

regulated to Pro B. On the other hand, the Pro B regular season and playoff champions are

promoted to Pro A while the bottom two Pro B teams are relegated to the NM1 League.

Espoir (junior) team player salaries. In addition to their top (professional) teams, Pro A and

Pro B clubs also have a number of junior teams, including their minime (13 and 14 year-olds),

cadet (15, 16 and 17 year-olds), and espoir (U21) teams. The junior teams are not considered

professional by the LNB, but individuals as young as cadet players can sign espoir agreements

that set forth a monthly indemnity (compensation, for purposes of NCAA legislation).

Generally, those players compete at the espoir level (and often a handful of games each year on

the professional team) and are the young players who the club believes have a chance to one day

play professionally.

There are two types of espoir contracts, aspirant and stagiaire (specifically labeled, “Engagement

de Joueur Aspirant” and “Engagement de Joueur Stagiaire”). There is also a corresponding

agreement signed by players under such contracts, entitled “Convention de formation pour la

discipline basket.” Although not all espoir players sign these agreements, the majority of

prospective student-athletes did sign, as reviewed by the amateurism certification staff. In

addition to defining the financial support the player is receiving, an espoir agreement also

enables a player to compete on the professional team.

There are four levels of aspirant and two levels of stagiare status, which directly relate to a

player’s compensation level. Specifics regarding the compensation levels are set forth in the

LNB Player Statute. Espoir pay is defined under a point system with a corresponding point

value (in Euro) that increases yearly based on economic influences. The minimum gross

monthly salaries are as follows:

http://www.lnb.fr/

FRANCE

July, 2011

Page No. 2

_________

(a) First-year aspirant (first-year juvenile player): 5 LNB points;

(b) Second-year aspirant (second-year juvenile player): 10 LNB points;

(c) Third-year aspirant (third-year juvenile player): 15 LNB points;

(d) Fourth-year aspirant (first-year senior player): 20 LNB points;

(e) First-year stagiaire (second-year senior player): 25 to 40 LNB points;

(f) Second-year stagiaire – (third-year senior player): 40 to 100 LNB points.

If an aspirant player is selected to play for the French Junior National Team (U18), he must

receive a point value up to 80 points, while an aspirant or stagiaire player who is selected for the

French U20 Team must receive a point value of at least 100 points. The number of LNB points

is then multiplied by the point value of a given year to arrive at the monthly compensation.

With respect to other expenses, espoir players are required to maintain their high school studies

and thus often live at home or in club or school facilities (e.g., dormitories) while attending

school. It is not uncommon for players who have completed their high school educations to be

provided free room and board either in apartments or with host families. Additionally, some

clubs will provide meal expenses for their players in variety of ways, including meal plans at the

dormitories and meals with host families or with the sports club in connection with training.

Professional salaries. The amateurism certification staff has yet to review a French prospective

student-athlete who competed under a Pro A or Pro B professional contract. Given the change in

legislation relating to competition with professionals in 2010, however, the staff recognizes the

possibility that correspondingly modified recruiting trends may change that fact. For that reason,

the following information regarding minimum professional salaries may be relevant.

LNB Bylaws outline the minimum compensation that professional players must receive from

their club. The following chart appeared in LNB regulations for the 2006-07 season:

PRO A

Annual Gross Salary

PRO B

Annual Gross salary

First season 20,000 Euro SMIC

Second season 25,000 Euro 17,281 Euro

Third season 30,000 Euro 20,000 Euro

FRANCE

July, 2011

Page No. 3

_________

For clarification, in the Pro B division, if a player is under 22 years old and is signing his first

professional contract, the minimum monthly payment is called “SMIC.” SMIC is the minimum

salary for any worker in France (1,035 Euros net in 2010). The player could be paid 15 percent

less if the club also provides him an apartment. Part-time Pro B players can make less money

than what is set forth in the preceding chart if they have other paid employment or if the player is

also a student. Additionally, as noted above, a player can compete for Pro A or B professional

team under the terms of his espoir contract. It is also possible, but rare, that a player under a

professional contract will “play down” in espoir games.


amateurism certification staff’s experience with French prospective student-athletes with LNB

espoir and professional team experience.

Division I:

Strong likelihood that an espoir agreement was signed, which will set forth the monthly

salary that the player received.

Possibility that there has been payment above actual and necessary expenses – generally

when LNB point levels are at least 75 points and also depending on the cost-free expenses.

The majority of players who have been penalized through the amateurism certification

process have been so based on competition with professionals rather than professional

salary concerns.

Professional team analysis is a strong concern for prospective student-athletes who enrolled

in college before fall 2010 either based on their competition at the espoir level with higher

paid players or minimal competition at the professional level with the top team. In each

competition with professionals case, there are usually professional contract issues because

the player’s espoir contract enabled the player to compete on the professional team.

Any participation in the LNB will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

Division II:

Any participation in the LNB will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2.

Post-enrollment concerns are similar to those listed above for NCAA Division I.

Information to gather from prospective student-athletes who competed in the LNB.

All espoir agreements, including aspirant and/or stagiaire (and any addendums) and the

convention documents.

FRANCE

July, 2011

Page No. 4

_________

Point value that corresponds to one LNB point during each year of competition.

Lodging arrangements and whether team provided the expense cost-free or at a reduced

price.

Number of meals per week provided by the club.

As close to actual values for all other NCAA Division I Bylaw 12.02.4(a) expenses

including contemporaneous documentation.

If old rule is applicable or for Division II transfers, the highest amount of LNB points

assigned to any player on the prospective student-athlete’s team each season.


prospective student-athlete competed for the professional level team.

Nationale Masculine League (NM1, 2 and 3).

Overview. The amateurism certification staff has yet to review a former paid player from one of

the NM Leagues. The divisions of this league are best described as semi-professional since the

clubs generally provide salaries to their best – usually import – players. Thus, from an NCAA

perspective, the strongest concerns relate to the old professional team rule and therefore

prospective student-athletes who are transferring from junior college or from foreign institution

and who enrolled before fall 2010. As noted above, however, teams from Pro B are relegated to

NM1 each year and, given the possible changes in recruiting trends, the staff recognizes the

possibility that paid players from the NM League (most likely NM1) might be recruited to play

NCAA basketball.


amateurism certification staff’s experience with French prospective student-athletes with NM

League experience.

Division I:

Low possibility that there has been payment above actual and necessary expenses, but, if

possible, likely only with NM1 teams.

Professional team analysis is a strong concern for prospective student-athletes who enrolled


Any participation in the NM League will constitute organized competition under NCAA


FRANCE

July, 2011

Page No. 5

_________

Division II:

Any participation in the NM League will constitute organized competition under NCAA



Information to gather from prospective student-athletes who competed in the LNB.

Any signed document.






GERMANY

Leagues. The top five basketball leagues in Germany are the following:

1. 1.Bundesliga (BBL).

2. ProA.

3. ProB.

4. 1.Regionalliga.

5. 2.Regionalliga.

The 1.Bundesliga (Basketball Bundesliga or BBL).

Website. http://www.beko-bbl.de/index.php.

Overview: The BBL is the top men’s German professional basketball league and is comprised

of 18 teams. It is also the only league that Germany recognizes as professional. BBL seasons

are divided into league and playoff stages. The top eight league play teams qualify for the

playoff stage. The two lowest teams in league play are relegated to the ProA league, while the

top two ProA teams are promoted to the BBL. The BBL national champion is qualified to

compete in Europe’s top level transnational basketball league, the Euroleague. Four to six other

BBL teams play in the EuroCup (second level) and EuroChallenge (third level).

With little exception, athletes competing in the BBL are under contract with and receiving

salaries from their clubs to play basketball. There is also likely to be agent representation at this

level. League rules and German law allow for non-German citizens to play on BBL teams under

the terms of a work permit and employment visa. The minimum monthly salary for a foreign

national in Germany on an employment visa was, as of 2011, around 1,300€ (which has been

found to exceed the NCAA’s definition of “actual and necessary expenses” in previous cases).

Most non-German BBL athletes make significantly more than the minimum standard.

In the past, the amateurism certification (ACP) staff has reviewed very few prospective student-

athletes with BBL experience. Information provided to the staff from German contacts,

however, indicates that it is possible for German athletes in the league to play without pay. As

noted above, the norm is for those athletes to play under contract and for some amount of money.

One indicator of likely monthly compensation (though the money could be low) is an athlete’s

move within Germany to a BBL club that is not in driving distance from the athlete’s home.

Even if the pay is low, such an athlete should be assumed to have signed a contract with the club

outlining the compensation amount.

http://www.beko-bbl.de/index.php

GERMANY

August, 2011

Page No. 2

_________

Application of NCAA Amateurism Legislation. The following information is based on

information provided to the ACP staff regarding the BBL:

Division I:

Presumption that some form of agreement was signed (could be professional contract or, at

minimum, a player registration).

Salaries more than likely exceed actual and necessary expenses.

If the prospective student-athlete enrolled at a college or university before the fall of 2010:

All BBL teams meet the definition of a professional team under NCAA Bylaw 12.02.4(a)

and (b) and professional contract violations will exist based on whatever document was

signed since, at a minimum, it allowed the prospect to compete on a professional team.

Participation in the BBL constitutes organized competition.

Potential for agent activities and representation.

Division II:

Participation in the BBL constitutes organized competition.

Post-enrollment concerns are the same as those listed above for Division I.

Information to gather from prospective student-athletes who competed in the BBL.

All agreements.

Salary information.

Lodging arrangements and whether team provided the expense cost-free or at a reduced

price.

Number of meals per week provided by the club.

As close to actual values for all other Bylaw 12.02.4(a) expenses including

contemporaneous documentation.

If old rule is applicable or for Division II transfers, there is no question that the

professional team rule will apply.

GERMANY

August, 2011

Page No. 3

_________

ProA and ProB Leagues.

Overview: ProA and ProB are the second and third divisions, respectively, of German

basketball. Before the splitting for 2007-08 season, the two leagues comprised the 2.Bundesliga

(second level) and were split into North and South divisions. Pro A is now an undivided league

with 16 teams, while ProB has 24 teams which are split into two groups, North and South. The

top teams in ProA each year are promoted to the BBL while the bottom two finishers in ProA are

relegated to ProB. The same promotion/relegation exchange exists between ProA and B, while

the bottom four ProB teams are relegated to 1.Regionalliga.

The teams in both leagues are likely to have paid at least one player a salary (under contract) that

would meet the NCAA’s definition of a professional salary. Often, the contracts include

coaching responsibilities that may be used – depending on the contract language and obligations

– to offset a portion of the compensation designated for competition. Many of the paid players

are foreign players (e.g., often former NCAA student-athletes) who are competing for their clubs

under work permits and visas that require the player to earn the equivalent of approximately

1300€ per month. Usually, the highest paid players on German clubs, however, are German

players.

Younger German players (NCAA prospective student-athletes) may also be paid and, in some

instances, the pay may be very low (e.g., for university students who are attending school while

competing for a local club). Indeed, as of 2011, the ACP staff has not conducted a review

involving a paid ProA or B player. That said, there are prospective student-athletes in these

leagues that are under contract and paid at levels that exceed that which is allowed by NCAA

legislation and an analysis will generally be undertaken to determine if that is true. There are

clubs that have affiliation with BBL teams that may be more likely to have younger players

under contract and receiving a salary.


Division I:

Possibility that there has been payment above actual and necessary expenses.

Professional team analysis is a strong concern for prospects who enrolled in college before

fall 2010.

Strong likelihood that the player signed at least a player registration form.

Participation in ProA and ProB will constitute organized competition.

GERMANY

August, 2011

Page No. 4

_________

Division II:

Participation in ProA and ProB will constitute organized competition.


Information to gather from prospective student-athletes who competed in ProA or ProB.




prospective student-athlete’s team each season (and if possible a copy of the contract or

type of contract signed by the paid players).



The Regionalliga Divisions.

Overview: The Regionalliga divisions are larger but overall can be viewed as the fourth and

fifth levels of German basketball. 1.Regionalliga is divided into four regions (Groups), and the

champion of each is promoted to ProB. 2.Regionalliga has eight or more regions and relegation

and promotion exists between it and 1.Regionalliga and so on down the pyramid-like structure of

the German basketball structure.

Like the athletes in ProA and B, the foreign-born Regionalliga players are paid to compete

and/or coach and, thus, depending on a prospective student-athlete’s situation, a professional

team analysis may be required. It is also possible, yet to date not encountered by the ACP staff,

that prospective student-athletes may have been paid by their Regionalliga teams. Historically,

however, former Regionalliga athletes have been free from Bylaw 12 violations.


Division I:

Low possibility that there has been payment above actual and necessary expenses.

Professional team analysis is a potential concern for prospects who enrolled in college

before fall 2010.

Strong likelihood that the player signed at least a player registration form.

Participation in 1. and 2. Regionalliga will constitute organized competition.

GERMANY

August, 2011

Page No. 5

_________

Division II:

Participation in 1. and 2. Regionalliga will constitute organized competition.


Information to gather from prospective student-athletes who competed in a Regionalliga

Division.




prospective student-athlete’s team each season (and if possible a copy of the contract or

type of contract signed by the paid players).



LATVIA

Leagues. The top three basketball leagues in Latvia are the following:

1. LBL - Latvian Basketball League.

2. LBL 2 - Latvian Basketball Second League.

3. LBAL – Latvian Amateur Basketball League (third league).

Latvian Basketball League (LBL).

Overview. The Latvian Basketball League (LBL) is the top-level league in Latvia. The league

promotes itself as a professional league, and it is rare for an LBL player to be recruited by an

NCAA institution (however not impossible). According to an online resource, many of the

players in the LBL are affiliated with agents. Additionally, there are several teams in the LBL

that have Americans and/or other foreigners on their roster. Each LBL team is allowed to have

up to three foreign players, although some LBL rosters are exclusively comprised of native

Latvians.

With the change in the vicarious professional legislation, it is possible that more players from the

LBL will attempt to play at an NCAA institution. Any player with LBL experience, however,

should be scrutinized closely, as this league’s rosters are comprised of older players, former

NCAA players and players with experience in known professional leagues.

In addition to LBL league games, LBL teams also participate in the Baltic League (a league

comprised of top-level teams from Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden and Latvia). Currently (2011),

The top three LBL teams (VEF Riga, Ventspils, and Liepaja) play in the Baltic League elite

division, and one LBL team (Zemgale) plays in the Baltic League challenge division. There is

annual relegation between the top two teams in the challenge division and the bottom two teams

in the elite division.

[Note: The BK VEF Riga Junior Basketball Team is affiliated with the VEF Riga basketball

team. Though it is labeled as a “junior team,” it plays in the LBL. At one point the junior team

was in the LBL D2, but this season it has since been promoted to the top division.]

NCAA Amateurism Legislation. The following information is based on the amateurism

certification staff’s experience with Latvian prospective student-athletes.

Division I:

Strong likelihood that an agreement was signed.

Strong likelihood for payment above actual and necessary expenses.

LATVIA

July, 2011

Page No. 2

_________

Professional team analysis is a concern for prospective student-athletes who enrolled in

college before fall 2010.

Any participation in the LBL will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division I

Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

Division II:

Any participation in the LBL will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2.

Latvian Basketball League Second Division (LBL D2).

Overview. The LBL D2 is the second league in Latvia. The LBL D2 League currently consists

of ten teams. The league is comprised almost entirely of players from Lativa. The league does

not market itself as a professional league and past experiences indicate that none of these teams

meet the NCAA definition of a professional team. However, the potential movement of a team

from the LBL D2 to the LBL as the team and/or league develops can create cause for concern.

There are also relationships between some LBL and LBL D2 teams that could potentially cause a

LBL D2 team to meet the NCAA definition of a professional team.


Division I:

Possibility that an agreement was signed (especially for foreign born players).

Possibility of payment above actual and necessary expenses for some players.

Professional team analysis is certainly a concern for prospective student-athletes who


Any participation in the LBL D2 will constitute organized competition under NCAA


Division II:

Any participation in the LBL D2 will constitute organized competition under NCAA


LATVIA

July, 2011

Page No. 3

_________

Latvian Amateur Basketball League (LBAL).

Overview. The LBAL presents itself to be an amateur league. Most of the current and former

NCAA student athletes from Latvia have played in the LBAL. While there is not much cause for

concern in regards to the professional makeup of LBAL teams, certain teams do have players on

their roster that are older in age and may require an analysis depending on the prospective

student-athletes enrollment date.


Division I:

Limited professional concerns.

Any participation in the LBAL will constitute organized competition under NCAA


Division II:

Any participation in the LBAL will constitute organized competition under NCAA


LITHUANIA

Leagues. The top three basketball leagues/divisions in Lithuania are the following:

1. LKL - Lithuanian Basketball League (first league).

2. NKL - National Basketball League (second league).

3. RKL - Regional Basketball League.

Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL). League website. http://www.lkl.lt/

Overview. The Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) is the top-level league in Lithuania. The

league promotes itself as a professional league; therefore, it is rare for an LKL player to be

recruited by an NCAA institution. Several prominent LKL players have come to the United

States to play in the NBA. These players have indicated that they receive only expense

reimbursement for their participation, but the LKL officials seem reluctant to provide any written

documentation regarding their league. According to Eurobasket profiles, many of the players in

the LKL are affiliated with agents. Additionally, there are several teams in the LKL that have

Americans and/or other foreigners on their roster.

In addition to LKL league games, LKL teams also participate in the Baltic League (a league

comprised of top-level teams from Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden and Latvia). The top six LKL

teams play in the Baltic League elite division, the remaining seven teams play in the Baltic

League challenge division. There is annual relegation between the top two teams in the

challenge division and the bottom two teams in the elite division.

Many of the LKL teams have junior and cadet teams associated with them. These lower-level

teams are generally comprised of younger players; however, there have been several instances of

LKL professional players dropping down a level to complete on the lower division team for a

rehab assignment. Additionally, it not uncommon for players – who are primarily junior players

– to participate on the professional LKL team for a few games during the season. Research

indicates that the players on the junior team are unlikely to receive above actual and necessary

expenses for their participation. It is unknown whether they have to sign any agreements with

the clubs.


amateurism certification staff’s experience with Lithuanian prospective student-athletes.

Division I:


Strong likelihood for payment above actual and necessary expenses.



http://www.lkl.lt/

LITHUANIA

July, 2011

Page No. 2

_________

Any participation in the LKL will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

Division II:

Any participation in the LKL will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2.

National Basketball League (NKL). Website. http://www.nklyga.lt/

Overview. The NKL is the second league in Lithuania. The NKL is autonomous

from the LKL meaning that there is no play-up or play-down concerns between the leagues.

Similar to the LKL, the NKL has several American players in the league.


Division I:

Likelihood that an agreement was signed (especially for foreign born players).

Likelihood for payment above actual and necessary expenses for some players.



Any participation in the NKL will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

Division II:

Any participation in the NKL will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2.

Regional Basketball League. Website. http://www.rkl.lt/new/

Overview. The RKL is a regional team. Several current and former NCAA players have played

in the RKL. The RKL is an amateur league.

http://www.nklyga.lt/

http://www.rkl.lt/new/

LITHUANIA

July, 2011

Page No. 3

_________


Division I:

No professional concerns.

Any participation in the RKL will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

Division II:

Any participation in the RKL will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2.

MONTENEGRO

Leagues. The two primary basketball leagues in Montenegro are the following:

1. 1A League/Opportunity Liga (named for its 2010 sponsor, Opportunity Bank).

2. 1B League.

The 1A League.

Overview. The Opportunity Liga (1A League) is the top-level league in Montenegro. The

league is comprised mainly of players from Montenegro, but it is not uncommon to find players

from other Balkan countries (primarily Serbia and Bosnia) playing for some of the teams. Some

of the teams have occasionally had a player from the United States or a player from different

European countries. Some of the top players in the 1A League have previously played on top-

level teams throughout Europe, in countries such as Serbia, Germany and Cyprus. According to

Eurobasket profiles, top players in the 1A league typically have agents.


Division I:

Strong likelihood that an agreement was signed. According to the Federation rules,

“Professional contracts,” “contracts of sports-scholarship player development” and

“amateur contracts” must be deposited with the federation (KSCG) for all clubs.

Top-level players have a strong likelihood for payment above actual and necessary

expenses.



Any participation in the 1A League will constitute organized competition.

Division II:

Any participation in the 1A League will constitute organized competition.

The 1B League.

Overview. The 1B League is the second-level league in Montenegro. The teams in the league

are typically comprised of players only from Montenegro, with the rare exception being a player

from another neighboring Balkan country. The league does not market itself as a professional

MONTENEGRO

July, 2011

Page No. 2

_________

League and the teams are not believed to meet the NCAA definition of a professional team.

However, the potential movement of a team from 1B to 1A as the team and/or league develops

can create cause for concern.


Division I:

Unlikely that players are receiving payment above actual and necessary expenses.

Any participation in the 1B League will constitute organized competition under NCAA


Division II:

Any participation in the 1B League will constitute organized competition under NCAA


Inter-League Play. Website: http://www.kscg.org/

*includes Federation Rules that can be translated easily using Google translator.

Adriatic League. One 1A team also participated in the Adriatic League during 2009-10. The

Adriatic League features teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and

Slovenia, all of which are former republics of SFR Yugoslavia. Each team plays every other

team home and away and the top teams advance to a playoff round to crown a league champion.

Adriatic League clubs play in domestic leagues at the same time, and some also play in the

Euroleague.

Euroleague. The Euroleague features teams from throughout Europe. Team selection in the

Euroleague is based on a formula derived from competitive performance, television revenues and

home attendance. Montenegrin teams rarely qualify for Euroleague competition.

Montenegrin Political History Within the Baltic Region.

In 1992, after the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Montenegro and

Serbia created the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. By 2003, the two countries formed a more

decentralized state union named Serbia and Montenegro, before finally becoming two separate

countries in 2006. Although Montenegro borders both Serbia and Croatia, the competitive and

professional status of its basketball has not yet achieved that of its two neighboring countries.

http://www.kscg.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Republic_of_Yugoslavia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbia_and_Montenegro

SERBIA

Leagues. In Serbia there are two primary leagues as well as a third level of regional teams as

follows:

1. The Basketball League of Serbia (A League).

2. B League.

3. 1Srpska- Regional Basketball League.

The A League. Website: http://www.kls.rs/

Overview. The Basketball League of Serbia (A League) is the top-level league in Serbia. It is

comprised of two different stages: Serbian Prva Liga (Stage One) and Serbian Superliga (Stage

Two).

Stage One consists of 14 teams. The top three move on to Stage Two to compete with the five

Serbian teams that also play in the Adriatic League. The A League is comprised mainly of

players from Serbia, but it is not uncommon to find players from other Balkan countries

(primarily Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro) playing for some of the teams. Teams will

occasionally have a player from the United States or a player from another European country.

Some of the top players in the A League have previously played on top level teams throughout

Europe. According to Eurobasket profiles, top players in the A League typically have agents.


Division I:


Top-level players have a strong likelihood for payment above actual and necessary

expenses.

Professional team analysis is certainly a concern for prospective student-athletes whom


Any participation in the A League will constitute organized competition under NCAA


Division II:

Any participation in the A League will constitute organized competition under NCAA


http://www.kls.rs/

SERBIA

July, 2011

Page No. 2

_________

The B League.

Overview. The B League is the second-level league in Serbia. The B League currently consists

of 14 teams. The league is comprised almost entirely of players from Serbia, but it is not

uncommon to find an occasional player from another Balkan country (primarily Croatia, Bosnia

and Montenegro) playing on a team. The league does not market itself as a professional league

and none of the teams are believed to meet the NCAA definition of a professional team.

However, the potential movement of a team from the B League to the A League as the team

and/or league develops can create cause for concern. There are also relationships between some

A League and B League teams that could potentially cause a B League team to meet the NCAA

definition of a professional team. This is more likely a concern with the A League clubs that

also compete in the Adriatic League.


Division I:

Possibility that the best players are receiving payment above actual and necessary

expenses.

Professional team analysis is a potential concern for prospective student-athletes whom


Any participation in the B League will constitute organized competition under NCAA


Division II:

Any participation in the B League will constitute organized competition under NCAA


1Srpska- Regional Basketball League.

Overview. 1Srpska League is the third level of basketball in Serbia. The teams in the league are

regionally based. Currently there are four groups of 14 teams each, referred to as Group North,

Group East, Group West and Group Central. Nearly all of the players are from Serbia, with the

rare exception being a player from another neighboring Balkan country. The league does not

market itself as a professional league and most of the teams are not believed to meet the NCAA

definition of a professional team. Potential movement of a team from the 1Srpska to the B

League or A League as the team develops could create cause for concern. Relationships could

exist between a 1Srpska team and an A or B League team that could potentially cause

professional team concerns.

SERBIA

July, 2011

Page No. 3

_________

Inter-League Play. Website: http://www.kss.rs/

Adriatic League. Five A League teams also currently participate in the Adriatic League during

2009-10 (KK Partizan, KK Hemofarm, KK Crvena zvezda, KK FMP and KK Radnički). The

Adriatic League features teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and

Slovenia, all of which are former republics of Yugoslavia. Each team plays every other team

home and away and the top teams advance to a playoff round to crown a league champion.

Adriatic League clubs play in domestic leagues at the same time, and some also play in the

Euroleague.

Euroleague. The Euroleague features teams from throughout Europe. Team selection in the

Euroleague is based on a formula derived from competitive performance, television revenues and

home attendance. The Top Serbian teams occasionally qualify for Euroleague competition. In

2010-11, Hemofarm was one of the 15 teams from 12 different countries that qualified for the

Euroleague qualifying rounds.

Political History Within the Baltic Region.

In 1992, after the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Montenegro and

Serbia created the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. By 2003, the two countries formed a more

decentralized state union named Serbia and Montenegro, before finally becoming two separate

countries in 2006.

http://www.kss.rs/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KK_Partizan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KK_Hemofarm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KK_Crvena_zvezda

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KK_FMP

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KK_Radni%C4%8Dki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Republic_of_Yugoslavia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbia_and_Montenegro

SPAIN

Leagues. The top four basketball leagues/divisions in Spain are the following:

1. ACB - Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto (18 teams).

2. LEB Gold - Liga Española de Baloncesto Adecco Oro (18 teams).

3. LEB Silver - Liga Española de Baloncesto Adecco Plata (15 teams).

4. EBA - Española de Baloncesto Amateur (80 teams in 5 groups).

The Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto (ACB) and Española de Baloncesto Amateur (EBA). Overview. The Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto (ACB) is the top men’s Spanish professional basketball league. It is considered to be one of the top basketball leagues in the world. The league’s website advertises itself as professional and several renowned Spanish basketball players play (or have played) in the ACB (e.g. Marc and Pau Gasol, Ricky Rubio). ACB contracts can pay in the millions annually, and the majority of the players have agents. Any prospective student-athlete who has played significant amount of time in the ACB will likely have amateurism issues. Though full-time ACB players are almost unquestionably professional, the professionalism of a player becomes convoluted when analyzing a player who has been called up from junior teams for a minimal amount of competition. Many ACB teams are affiliated with junior or Española de Baloncesto Amateur (EBA) teams. The EBA is the fourth-highest level in Spanish basketball and consists of 80 teams [Note: The majority of EBA teams are not an affiliated with an ACB professional team.] The EBA is considered the premiere amateur league in Spain and teams have consistently stressed the amateur makeup of the league [Note: Sources have stated that it is in the league’s bylaws that players in the EBA cannot be paid – unconfirmed.] Application of NCAA Amateurism Legislation. The following information is based on the amateurism certification staff’s experience with Spanish prospective student-athletes with ACB and EBA experience. ACB. Website. http://www.acb.com/ Division I: • Strong likelihood that a contract was signed.

• Strong possibility that there has been payment above actual and necessary expenses. • Professional team analysis is a strong concern for prospective student-athletes who enrolled


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liga_ACB

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liga_Espa%C3%B1ola_de_Baloncesto

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liga_Espa%C3%B1ola_de_Baloncesto

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liga_EBA

SPAIN July, 2011 Page No. 2 _________

• Any participation in the ACB will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

Division II: • Any participation in the ACB will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2. • Post-enrollment concerns are similar to those listed above for Division I. EBA. Website. http://www.feb.es Division I: • Any participation in the EBA will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

Division II: • Any participation in the EBA will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2. Ligas Española de Baloncesto Oro (LEB Gold) and Plata (LEB Silver). Website. http://www.feb.es Overview. Liga Española de Baloncesto (LEB) is divided into two divisions – LEB Gold and LEB Silver. The divisions of this league are best described as semi-professional since the clubs generally provide salaries to their best (usually import) players. There is great diversity in the age and nationality of the players in the LEB. Many LEB players have agents and several former NCAA student-athletes participate in the league. Accordingly, from an NCAA perspective, the strongest concerns relate to the old professional team rule and; therefore, prospective student-athletes who are transferring from junior college or from foreign institution and who enrolled before fall 2010. [Note: There could be rare instances when a professional player from the LEB is attempting to be a first-time enrollee at an NCAA institution.] Application of NCAA Amateurism Legislation. The following information is based on the amateurism certification staff’s experience with Spanish prospective student-athletes with LEB experience.

http://www.feb.es/

http://www.feb.es/

SPAIN July, 2011 Page No. 3 _________ Division I:

• Possibility that a contract was signed.

• Possibility that there has been payment above actual and necessary expenses.

• Professional team analysis is a strong concern for prospective student-athletes that enrolled


• Any participation in the LEB will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division I Bylaws 14.2.3.2.1 and 14.2.3.5.

Division II: • Any participation in the LEB will constitute organized competition under NCAA Division

II Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2. • Post-enrollment concerns are similar to those listed above for Division I. Canarias Basketball Academy. The amateurism certification staff reviews many prospective student-athletes who participate with the Canarias Basketball Academy (CBA). The CBA is located in the Gran Canary Islands (Spanish territory) and offers multiple programs such as a full-time high school, a program for prospective student-athletes in their post-graduate year as well as professional training and summer camp opportunities. While no Bylaw 12 violations have been processed for prospective student-athletes from the CBA to date, Bylaw 14 conditions are common because prospective student-athletes are often times delaying their collegiate enrollment and competing in organized competition during their delay.

men’s basketball sports structures prepared by the...

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