BCL RETURN TO PLAY PROTOCOL 3.0

Dear Referees,

The sixth edition of the Basketball Champions League will have its opening game in Spain, where the two-times and current BCL winner Hereda San Pablo Burgos will welcome Besiktas Icrypex from Turkey.

The continuous development and success of the competition had raised the expectations for the upcoming season, we are all very confident in the high-level delivery standards to the clubs and the basketball community.

After a season of challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, with more available possibilities for protection, followed by easing of many measures and requirements for travel and events, we expect for the upcoming season to be one strong step forward in going back to normality. Majority of the games in the competition will be played in front of fans, somewhere with full attendances and in some cases with limited percentage. We are all looking forward for some fantastic games and basketball atmospheres in the BCL venues.

In that direction, the latest update of the BCL Return to Play Protocol is arranged with considering all the development in possibilities for protection and easing of the requirements for travel and participation on the games. Despite of the situation being better comparing to previous season, all participants need to maintain high responsibility to the environment and always be aware and respect the protective elements surrounding the BCL games.

The BCL Return to Play Protocol 3.0 is already shared with all clubs, with some of the main updates relevant to the BCL Game Officials listed below:

• Pre-travel testing is not mandatory for the BCL Game Officials;

• In case a pre-travel testing (PCR or Antigen) is required by the country of destination/returning, the BCL will recognize expenses for these tests only for the game officials in possession of a valid Covid Certificate (full vaccination cycle/confirmed serology);

• Onsite antigen test for all game participants (including BCL Game Officials), except:

• Individuals who have completed a full vaccination cycle no later than two (2) weeks prior to the respective BCL game;

• Individuals with recent COVID-19 infection and positive serology result issued within the three (3) months from the game day (must be confirmed by the BCL MCO/FIBA Med-Com);

(The BCL Game Officials in need of an onsite antigen test, shall get in touch in advance with the BCL Technical Delegate, who should organize such a testing directly with relevant laboratory or via the hosting club. The individual in need of such a test is responsible to cover the test expenses.)

• Plexi glass around the scorer's table is no longer mandatory, if the host guarantees that all personnel at the technical table can provide a COVID certificate (vaccination certificate, negative rapid antigen, or negative PCR test - to be provided to the BCL TD).

The BCL Game Officials are required to upload a valid vaccination certificate in the SharePoint directories sent to you by email.

Additionally, the Game Official shall inform the BCL (dejan.lekic@championsleague.basketball) when the serology result is uploaded and we will submit it to the relevant address for evaluation.

Please read carefully the BCL Return to Play Protocol and please do not hesitate to come back to us if you have any question or doubt.

Wishing you all safe travel, enjoyable games and the best of luck in the Season 6 of the Basketball Champions League.

Kind regards,

Dejan Lekic

Competition Manager