The tournament is played over a period of three weeks from 1st week of March through 1st week of April. It traditionally begins on the third Thursday in March. On the first two full days of the tournament, the field of 64 teams is pared to 32. In the next two days, the field is trimmed to 16, which is called the Sweet 16. Equipments A standard uniform is composed of pair of shorts and jersey that must be unique to each team, with the number and surname of the player who is wearing such. This is applicable for both men and women s leagues. To begin the game, the two essential things that must be at sight are the ball and the court where the game is going to be played. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is the highest honor one can get in basketball. Entering the Hall of Fame means one has outstandingly contributed to the sport. In 2009, the institution enshrined five into the lists of, not only prominent but also, exceptional actors in basketball in the recent years. It can also spare the people who love you from worrying about your safety and your life as well. Bearing safety measures in mind Above all else, your personal safety should always be the major consideration before you decide to engage in a team sports such as basketball. The best thing that you can do to stay safe is to research about the basketball first so you will have an idea how it is played. Two centuries after, it became an unofficial pastime of nearly all races especially Americans. According to International Federation of Basketball (FIBA), more than 300 million people play basketball around the world. Also in 2001 report of National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA), it says that more than 28 million Americans played basketball. There is really no escaping the bug that this widely viewed sports has created all over the globe. The Basics of the Sport This sport is played with two teams. Each team has five players who try to get points by shooting the ball at the top of the hoop. The latter, in order to comply with the standard rules, must have a rim that measures 18 inches in diameter and 10 feet high.