The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has directed its Continental, National and Zone commissions to implement three new rule changes from October 1.

Regarding the use of a smaller ball for women's basketball, the commision for women's basketball events will consider the matter in October before the Central Board takes a final decesion, according to a statement from Patrik Baumann, FIBA secretary ceneral.

The statement said rule changes proposed by the Technical Commission in May this year were accepted by FIBA Central Board.

Following are the rule changes:

(a) The 24 second rule: During a shot from the court, when the ball is in the air and the 24 second signal sounds, if the ball touches the rim, the game will no longer be stopped;

(b) Time-outs: Five charged time-outs may be granted to each team during normal playing time; two charged time-outs anytime during the first-half (1st and 2nd periods) and three charged time outs anything during the second-half (3rd and 4th periods). The time-out rules for overtime are unchanged;

(c) Jump balls: Except for the beginning of the first and second half and any overtime, all jump balls are eliminated and managed according to the alternating possession rule.

On the proposal to have three men officiating in main FIBA competitions, the Central Board has decided to apply this rule in competitions of the 2004-05 season after the Olympic Games in Athens, the statement added.