Amanda Knapp
In 2017, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) lifted its ban on religious headgear, including turbans and hijabs, for athletes competing in national, international, and Olympic competitions. This decision came after years of campaigning by Muslim and Sikh players and advocacy groups who argued that the previous policy forced athletes to choose between their faith and their sport. While this change opened up opportunities for athletes competing at the highest levels, questions remain about the status of religious head coverings in high school basketball, particularly in places like Quebec, Canada, where some schools have asked students to remove their turbans during class.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of ban lift | 2017 |
| Governing body | FIBA |
| Previous ban length | 2 years |
| Reason for previous ban | "Players safety" |
| Location of ban lift | International |
| Level of competition | National |
| Organisations involved in overturning the ban | U.S. Olympic Committee, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Sikh Coalition, Congress, Basketball Federation of India |
| People involved in overturning the ban | Kike Rafiu, Indira Kaljo, Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, Asma Elbadawi |
| Countries with high demand for the ban lift | USA, India, Nigeria, Botswana, UK |
| States/provinces with turban bans in schools | Quebec, Canada |
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What You'll Learn
The International Basketball Federation's (FIBA) ban on turbans
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is an association of national organisations that governs the sport of basketball worldwide. It defines the rules of basketball, specifies the equipment and facilities required, organises international competitions, regulates the transfer of athletes across countries, and controls the appointment of international referees.
In the past, FIBA had a ban on religious headgear, which included turbans and hijabs worn by Sikh and Muslim athletes. This ban prevented these athletes from participating in FIBA-endorsed competitions. In 2017, there were growing calls from female Muslim basketball players worldwide to allow athletes to wear head coverings for religious reasons. Athlete Ally, in partnership with Shizanan, published an open letter calling on FIBA to overturn its discriminatory ban on headgear, which was signed by over 30 athletes. There was also a Change.org petition that received 132,444 signatures and a social media campaign with the hashtag #FIBAAllowHijab.
In May 2017, FIBA agreed to allow athletes to wear head coverings, approving a proposal to allow headgear to be worn by players while minimising the risk of injuries and preserving consistency in uniform colour. This decision was made two and a half years after FIBA started reviewing its ban on headgear in September 2014. The Basketball Federation of India also put pressure on FIBA when two Sikh players in the Indian basketball team were forced to play without their turbans at the Asia Cup Basketball Championship in China.
With the ban lifted, Muslim athletes can now wear hijabs while playing basketball without having to choose between their faith and their sport. This decision by FIBA aligns with its non-discrimination policy and promotes inclusivity and diversity in the sport.
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High school turban bans in Quebec, Canada
In Quebec, Canada, there has been a recent controversy surrounding the provincial government's plan to introduce a law banning certain individuals from wearing religious symbols while on the job. This includes teachers, judges, and police officers, who would be prohibited from wearing items such as hijabs, kippahs, and turbans. While the Quebec government has argued that removing religious symbols will foster harmony in the province, the proposed law has faced significant backlash from various groups, who deem it discriminatory and a violation of religious freedom.
This controversy has extended to the province's schools, where some students have reported being asked to remove their turbans. A 16-year-old high school student in Quebec shared on Reddit that their school had requested they remove their turban, comparing it to a cap and stating that it should not be worn during class. However, others have disputed the existence of a ban on students wearing religious symbols, and the World Sikh Organization has been suggested as a potential resource for those facing such requests.
The law regarding religious head covering bans in Quebec, Canada, grants employers the legal right to ask their employees to remove religious head coverings. However, the legality of this ban is questionable, and it is uncertain if it would be upheld in court. Those wishing to overturn the ban may need to pursue legal action, citing how the law specifically violates the Canadian Constitution. In the meantime, individuals facing such requests can choose to escalate the issue to the school principal, asserting their right to wear religious head coverings.
The situation in Quebec's schools reflects a broader debate surrounding religious expression and freedom in the province. While some argue that removing religious symbols promotes inclusivity and harmony, others contend that it leads to segregation and a feeling of being treated as "second-class citizens." This conflict has prompted organizations like the World Sikh Organization to advocate for breaking down systemic barriers that hinder individuals, such as Sikhs, from fully participating in civil service and other domains.
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Sikh players in the Indian basketball team
In 2017, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) allowed athletes to wear head coverings following calls from female Muslim basketball players worldwide. This decision also impacted Sikh players, who were previously forced to play without their turbans, including two Sikh players in the Indian basketball team at the Asia Cup Basketball Championship in China.
One prominent Sikh basketball player from India is Satnam Singh Bhamara, who was born in a small, remote village in the state of Punjab. Singh played for the Indian national under-16 basketball team at the 2009 FIBA Asia Under-16 Championship in Malaysia. He later played for the senior Indian national team at the 2011 and 2013 FIBA Asia Championships in China and Lebanon, respectively. Singh also became the first Indian player to be drafted into the NBA when the Dallas Mavericks selected him in the 2015 draft.
Another notable Sikh player with connections to India is Bikramjit Singh Gill, a Sikh-Canadian basketball player competing at the professional level. Gill's father played for the Indian national team, and he himself joined the 3BL's Gurugram Masters, one of the best 3x3 teams in the world. He also competed for Team Canada in FIBA play and joined the first-ever all-Indian team, India Rising, for The Basketball Tournament (TBT) in 2022.
The decision by FIBA to allow turbans and other religious headwear on basketball courts has positively impacted Sikh athletes, allowing them to embrace their cultural and religious traditions while pursuing their sports dreams. This ruling ensures that players no longer have to choose between their faith and their passion for basketball.
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The safety concerns regarding headwear
In 2017, FIBA approved a proposal to allow headgear to be worn by players, a decision influenced by a growing number of calls from female Muslim basketball players worldwide. This change aimed to minimise the risk of injuries and maintain uniform colour consistency. The ruling was welcomed by Muslim athletes, who had previously faced a ban on wearing religious head coverings like hijabs and turbans in competitions.
However, safety concerns regarding headwear in basketball have also led to restrictions. In 2019, the NBA announced that it would no longer permit "ninja-style" headbands due to safety worries. The decision was made after teams raised concerns about the consistency of the headwear's size and length, as well as the way it was tied. The trendy look, popularised by players like Jimmy Butler and Jrue Holiday, was discontinued for the upcoming season to address these safety issues.
The use of protective headgear in basketball has been a subject of interest in studies examining athletes' and coaches' attitudes toward concussion and head injury prevention. While many recognise the protective benefits of headgear, there is a discrepancy between attitudes and actual usage. For example, while coaches believe in the protective effects of mouthguards, they may not always advise their athletes to use them consistently.
Overall, the safety concerns surrounding headwear in basketball have prompted rule changes and clarifications by governing bodies. While FIBA allowed religious headgear to accommodate cultural and religious diversity, the NBA's concerns centred around the safety implications of inconsistent headwear styles and sizes. These decisions reflect the ongoing dialogue between players, coaches, and organisations to ensure the safety and inclusivity of the sport.
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The petition to allow turbans in basketball
Basketball players, coaches, artists, and spoken-word poets have joined the campaign to permanently lift the ban on headgear in basketball. The petition calls on the Federation International Basketball Association (FIBA), the overarching association of national organizations governing international basketball competition, to allow players in turbans, hijabs, and other religious headgear to play basketball.
The petition, started by Asma Elbadawi, a basketball player based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, has gained support from players around the world, including in Turkey, the United Kingdom, Germany, Indonesia, Qatar, the USA, and Sweden. Elbadawi and other petitioners argue that lifting the ban would create an even playing field for men and women of all faiths and create visible role models for youth.
The FIBA had previously banned any headgear, including religious garments, wider than 5 centimeters. This provision automatically disqualified Sikh and Muslim athletes who wear turbans and hijabs as mandated by their faith. The federation argued that such items could cause injury to other players and posed a risk to health and safety. However, petitioners pointed out that other sports, such as fencing, allowed athletes to compete while adhering to their religious dress codes.
In 2014, the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Council on American-Islamic Relations pressured FIBA to modify their policy, and in 2016, FIBA approved a two-year provisional period permitting athletes to wear religious headgear while it reviewed its policies. Finally, in 2017, FIBA lifted its restrictions, allowing athletes to wear head coverings after a growing number of calls from female Muslim basketball players worldwide. This decision was celebrated by Muslim athletes and activists, who had campaigned for the right to wear hijab while playing basketball without compromising their faith.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, turbans are now allowed in high school basketball. In 2017, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) lifted its restrictions on religious head coverings, including turbans. This change was made to promote inclusivity and respect for religious expression.
The previous ban on religious headgear in basketball, including turbans, was implemented by FIBA due to safety concerns. The organization stated that such items could potentially cause injury to players. However, this justification was controversial and widely criticized as discriminatory.
The decision to allow religious head coverings in basketball had a significant impact on high school students who wear turbans for religious reasons. It ensured their ability to participate in the sport without compromising their faith. It also fostered a more inclusive environment, allowing students to express their religious identity while playing basketball.
The decision to lift the ban on religious head coverings in basketball was met with relief and celebration by those who had advocated for the change. Many individuals, particularly those from the Sikh and Muslim communities, expressed their support and appreciation for the recognition of their religious rights. However, there may still be local or regional variations in the acceptance of turbans, as some students have reported facing pressure to remove their turbans in certain schools or provinces.
