Northern Inland Basketball League (NIBL)

Northern Inland Basketball League (NIBL) is a Regional Junior Development Competition that is based on participation and fun.

BASKETBALL IN THE NEW ENGLAND REGION

We have a number of affiliated associations that are a part of the New England region.

If you belong in another town within the New England Region and would like to get involved in NIBL, please email Basketball NSW via info@bnsw.com.au

Follow NIBL on Facebook

SAVE THE DATES

2024 FORMAT AND CALENDAR

Discover the Fun of 3×3 Basketball! 🏀🎉

What’s 3×3 Basketball? 3×3 basketball is a cool twist on the regular basketball game you know and love. Instead of 5 players, each team has just 3 players plus two subs. The game is played on a half-court with only one hoop. This means more chances for everyone to touch the ball, score points, and show off their amazing skills!

Why You’ll Love It:

  1. Non-Stop Action: With fewer players, the game moves quickly. You’ll be dribbling, passing, and shooting non-stop!
  2. More Play Time: Everyone gets more time on the court. No more waiting around – you’re always in the game!
  3. Teamwork Rocks: Because it’s just you and two teammates, you’ll work together closely and become an unstoppable trio.
  4. Cool Moves: You’ll have lots of chances to try out those fancy dribbles, slick passes, and epic shots.
  5. Short and Sweet: Games are quick, usually around 10 minutes or the first team to 21 points wins. Perfect for keeping the energy high and the fun rolling!

2024 Calendar:

  • Round 1 – 11 Aug – North/South – Gunnedah & Armidale
  • Round 2 – 25 Aug – Tamworth
  • Round 3 – 1 Sept – North/South – Gunnedah & Armidale
  • Round 4  &  Finals – 8 Sep – Tamworth

Competition Format:

  • Mixed competition (boys and girls combined)
  • Age groups are:

U11’s (born 2014, 2015 or 2016)
U13’s (born 2012 or 2013)
U15’s (born 2010 or 2011)

Competition By-Laws HERE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about NIBL.

If your question isn’t answered below, just send us an email via info@bnsw.com.au and we will come back to you.

As we continue to develop the league, more information will become available. Please continue to watch this page and our Facebook page for updated information

How much does it cost to play in NIBL?

$100 per child, this covers:

  • 4 weeks of competition
  • NIBL T-shirt
  • Mini Basketball

You can choose to pay for individual rounds.  Cost is $30 per round.

  • 1 week of competition
  • NIBL T-shirt & mini basketball (only receive at one round if you choose to play at multiple rounds).
You can use your Active & Creative Kids Vouchers also.

 

Are there opportunities to learn how to coach, referee or do scoretable?

Yes, there will be opportunities for all people to develop their skills or to learn a new one.

More information to be provided, however we are planning for these courses to be conducted at round 1 of NIBL in Tamworth on Sunday 11 August.

Do I need to be registered with an association to play?

No – anyone from around the Northern Inland region of NSW is welcome to play in NIBL.

However, for participants not registered with an association, they will need to pay an additional $15 Basketball NSW registration fee that will cover their insurance to participate in NIBL.

Why has NIBL changed to a 3x3 format?

3×3 basketball is one of the fastest growing sports around the world and is now also an Olympic sport.  The NIBL committee made the decision to change to a 3×3 format for a number of reasons;

  1. To ensure all small associations can participate and be able to fill teams.

  2. To alleviate the problem of forfeits.  We hope that individuals will be more committed to playing at every round if they are part of a team from their own local area.

  3. 3×3 is great at a grassroots level, as games are short, they move quickly, all kids get to touch the ball, breaks between games are short, there’s more touches, shots, handling the ball, passes, rebounds etc for players.

  4. Car pooling! One parent could potentially bring a WHOLE team.

  5. Great way to build your motion offence: Lots of “pass and cuts”, screen aways, hard curls, ball screens, dribble drive action etc…

  6. FUN!! This is the most important part of the program!

Can I register a team for NIBL?

Yes – participants can register their own team in NIBL.  A team ideally consists of 4 players (3 on the court and 1 sub).  You can have a maximum of 5 players if you wish (3 on the court and 2 subs).  You can also register as an individual and we will put you in a team on the day.

When do NIBL registrations open?

Registrations are now open.

I don’t have a team. Can I still play in NIBL?

Yes.  You can register as an individual and we will put you in a team on the day.

Can I join after the first round?

Yes, you can join and play in any round.  There is no minimum.

Can participants play up or down an age group?

Yes – younger players can play up one age group to be with their friends. Unfortunately, older players cannot play down.

Is the competition mixed, or separate boys / girls divisions?

NIBL is mixed.  You can have a boys only team, or a girls only team, or have both boys and girls in your team.  NOTE: To encourage sharing of the ball between all teammates, every basket girls score, is worth double points.

Will a bus be available between venues this year?

We hope so.  More details will become available about this closer to the time.

Can NEJL players join NIBL?

Yes – we welcome NEJL players into NIBL.  However we do ask that there’s a maximum of TWO (2) NEJL players per team to ensure the competition is fair.  A good opportunity to ask your friends from school to join the competition – which helps us to grow the game.

How much does it cost to participate?

$100 per person to play in NIBL.  This includes 4 x days 3×3 competition and a NIBL TShirt.  The price is the same regardless of if you have 4 or 5 players in your team.

Are you running any courses this year again?

Yes – we do hope to run another FREE Scoretable & referee course.  We encourage everyone to come along to make the most of these free opportunities.

I can’t make it to every round. Can I get a discount, or refund?

No sorry.  There is no refund or part refund if you cannot participate in any/all aspects?  But if you can’t make it to every round, just pay the $30 per round fee.

Please see our BNSW Returns and Refunds Policy.
https://www.bnsw.com.au/about/bnsw-return-and-refunds-policy/

Philosophy

The basic philosophy is for the participants to have fun, and enjoyment, make new friends and develop skills.

What's the game structure?

There will be modified 3×3 rules for NIBL.  A size 5 ball will be used in U11 competition.  A 3×3 ball shall be used in all other categories. The court is half a basketball court with one ring. Timing will be 7 – 10 minute games (depending on number of teams nominated). Scoring 1 point, and 2 points if scored behind the arc. Initial possession determined through scissors, paper, rock.  Please refer to the MODIFIED RULES tab.

When and where are the NIBL Finals?

Round 4 & Finals Sunday 1  September in Tamworth

All teams are invited to the finals round.

NIBL HISTORY

The very first Northern Inland Basketball League (NIBL) kicked off in September 2022 and was created after 18 months of community consultation within the local area.

In 2024, NIBL becomes a 3×3 competition, allowing more opportunities for people from the New England region to participate and develop in all areas of the sport; as players, coaches, referees, managers and scorers.

New England has nearly 3,000 registered participants across eight associations, with many children and teenagers looking for more local opportunities to participate.  Working together with local associations, NIBL focuses on providing local opportunities for kids to build skills and play while keeping costs low and affordable. 

It’s an exciting time to play basketball in New England. The opportunities outlined below extend to kids in all towns in the region, no matter if you are a part of an association, play school basketball, or shoot hoops in the backyard. Everyone is welcome to try this fun, dynamic team game!