Basketball is a fast, exciting game played by two teams of five players, who may pass, throw, roll, bat or dribble the ball. The object of the game is to score points by throwing the ball into the opposing team’s basket. The rules given here are the international rules. The College and Professional games played in the USA follow the same basic rules with some changes, which include court dimensions and timing.

The court must have a hard surface (not grass). Its width may vary by minus 2m and its lengthy by minus 4m, but the proportions must be kept. The ceiling must be at least 7m high. Lighting must be uniform and not hinder players from throwing for a goal.
The distance between the boundary and any obstruction should be at least 2m.

Baskets consist of white cord nets to hold the ball briefly as it drops through. They are suspended from range metal rings attached rigidly at right angles to the backboards.

Backboards are made of hardwood or a single piece of equally rigid transparent material with lines and ridges to contrast with the background - usually black and white or white on transparent. The supports are bright in colour to be easily visible and at least 1m clear of the end lines.

The Ball is spherical and has a leather, rubber, or synthetic case, with a rubber bladder. Its circumference is 75-78cm. It should weigh 600-650g. When inflated, it should bounce between 1.20m & 1.40m on a solid wooden floor if dropped at a height of about 1.80m. 

http://www.basketball.org.nz