Hey.
I did a tourney this past weekend that used FIBA rules, with the exception of the uniform and shot clock rules, which used the Federation rule.
Here are some observations:
- The games seem to take less time to play.
While we did have some games last as long as 85-90 minutes, most games were done seemingly in less time than Fed games. This observation is based solely on years of experience of how long Fed games take, and this FIBA tournament's games. I have no scientific data, just how things 'felt'.
- It is a bit difficult to change rule sets.
Basketball is basketball. Most things are the same. With < 2 min left in a game, a team granted a TO with a throw-in in their BC can move to throw-in to the division line opposite the table. I forgot to do this the first 2 times. I also forgot to give the proper signal for 2 shots during the free throws. I did it correctly half-way through the tournament. I incorrectly ruled a held ball instead of a travel when the shooter, stuffed, returned to the floor with the ball. This happened just once. My P and I did remember to rule correctly on other changes, and even were able to educate others about the new rules.
- Bonus happens less often.
Bonus is on the 5th foul in each period. You could have 8 fouls per period with no bonus. Coupling that with some fouls are shooting fouls anyways, you could go further without shooting bonus. However, periods are 10 minutes long, so there is more playing time for fouls to be committed.
Overall, it's a great game. Do I prefer it to Fed? I'm indifferent. I don't really care. (Gosh, I sound like JRut.) I'm not opposed that games seemingly take less time to play.
Anyone else out there have experience with both rule sets?