Many associations are at risk of collapsing and the accessibility of basketball is in danger. Due to the intention of the FIBA to enforce all levels of basketball to apply for a Letter of Clearance, if an international player transfers. In practice this requires every international player to pay a fee of 250 CHF (~260 EUR), if they want to play competition in a new country. This is greater than some yearly memberships and will double the cost of play for many international players, that are just looking for amateur competition. 

This new rule is especially hurting (student) associations that exist on a basis of high influx of internationals, that play for a limited period. The new regulation will essentially make it impossible for these international(s) (students) to play organized basketball as the fee is simply too high to pay for players that have access to limited funds. 

This regulation will hurt the current diversity in (student) basketball and makes it only accessible to those with enough funds or those that play in their country of origin. Therefore, we ask you to stand up and stop this regulation. The next season is still 6 months away, so if we take a stance now we can stop this!

We propose the following solutions to solve the problem in which international transfers are still regulated, but it does not come at the expense of entire associations collapsing and excluding people from playing amateur basketball.

1. Make an exception to this rule for student and amateur basketball associations.

2. Lower the costs of this Letter of Clearance. If the charge for this would be between €10,00 and €20,00 it will still be difficult for associations, but it will definitely be possible to survive.

3. Make an exception for players who will stay for a  short period (for instance five years or less).  If the player returns to play competition in their home country, this would mean they won’t be needing a Letter of Clearance at all.