The quarter finals of the PNG Games Basketball Tournament were delayed

today after games were halted at half time during the first matches of the day.
The reason for the delay was in relation to the newly adjusted PNG Games
Charter rule that allows only 3 ‘National’ players on each team with a limit of
any 2 of those 3 taking the court at any one time.

The National Capital District (NCD) Mens team is the only competing
team with the maximum 3 national players included in their team and earlier in
the tournament a dispute was lodged by Southern Highlands in regards to their
pool match vs NCD in which it was claimed that 3 National players were fielded.
After heavy consultation with all officials involved including the Tournament
Director this dispute was dismissed.

To begin the quarter finals it was requested by some of the competing
teams that the National Player Eligibility rule of the PNG Games Charter be
explained and clarified so assistance was sort from a representative from the
PNG Games Council.

Unfortunately a mis-communication regarding the rule hindered the
process and added to the confusion. Upon the arrival of the PNG Games Chairman
it was confirmed that the charter would be enforced. The summary of the charter
is:

- Only 3 ‘National Players’ can be listed in any
one team

- Only 2 of those 3 players may take the court at
any one time

A ‘National Player’ is defined as a current
member of the Senior PNG National Basketball Team/Squad

It was unfortunate that this ruling was not acceptable to the team
involved as they insisted that the earlier and erroneous ruling earlier that
day of ‘No National Players Participating’ be followed. This seemed to be quite
unfair to the NCD team that had followed the rules in the charter.

With a very large crowd and impatient spectators the intensity around
the court began to grow as this issue was discussed over 2+ hours. Finally a compromise
was reached that allowed for a maximum of 1 National Player per team be allowed
on the court at any time, and a total of 2 being allowed to participate in any
one match. This ruling will stand for the remainder of the tournament which
will conclude with the Gold and Bronze Medal matches being played on Friday 27^th November.