What happens if a player has played in a main official competition for a national team?

When a player competes in a main official competition for a national team, it signifies a definitive choice to represent that specific national team. This commitment, recognized by basketball governing bodies such as FIBA, establishes the player's eligibility status and affiliation with that national team.

Once the player participates in a significant tournament, such as the FIBA Basketball World Cup or an Olympic event, they are officially tied to that national team for the purposes of international competition. This means that their subsequent eligibility to play for any other national team is typically restricted, as they are recognized as having made a commitment to the national team they represented.

This framework is essential for maintaining the integrity of international competitions, ensuring that players are committed to their national teams and preventing situations where athletes might switch allegiances too freely, which could undermine the competitive structure of international basketball.

In contrast, lifetime eligibility or regular reapplication processes do not align with the structure of national team commitments in international sports. Additionally, revocation of eligibility would not apply solely based on participation; rather, it would occur under specific circumstances related to violations of eligibility rules.