Basketball rules in Palestine

• 1.Israelis have the right to play on both sides of the court, whereas Palestinians can only play on their own side.
• 2.For security reasons, Palestinians do not have the right to pass the ball between players, the ball could hit an Israeli player.
• 3.There will be no basket on the Israeli side.
• 4.Israel is allowed to shoot at any time, even during time-outs.
• 5.Palestinians are not allowed to have supporters. Only Israelis should be supported.
• 6.Israel selects the press and what the press reports.
• 7.Israel encourages Palestinians to shoot into the Palestinian basket. Players who refuse will be nominated as terrorists and will not be allowed to play.
• 8.Palestinian players are allowed to leave the field but can not return. One exception: A Palestinian can be replaced by an Israeli.
• 9.Israel selects and instructs the referees, and tells them to look away.
• 10.Israel selects the captain of the Palestinian team.
• 11.Israeli faults and Palestinian good plays will not be shown on TV.
• 12.Israel takes the money sponsors pay to Palestinians.
• 13.Only Israeli players get refreshments.
• 14.Palestinians are required to play, when and where designated by Israel.
• 15.Rules only apply to Palestinians. Israelis may change the rules during the game and are not required to advice the Palestinians of the changes.

Written by Dror Feiler, an ex-Israeli para from kibbutz Yad Hanna, now living in Sweden. He is a member of European Jews for a Just Peace. Published in New Interventions, Volume 12, no.1, Spring 2005.