• About Biddy
  • History
  • Board of Directors
  • Regional Directors
  • Famous Biddy Players
• Rule Book
  • Index
• Tournament Info
• Tournament Results
  • 2009 Results
  • Past Results
• Louisiana Biddy
  • Directory
  • Officials (Referees)
  • Calendar
  • Brackets
• Forms and Documents
  • Franchise Forms
  • Local League Forms
  • National All-Star Forms
  • Special Contest Forms
• Shop
  • Biddy Merchandise
  • Trophy Shop
  • Uniforms
• Photo Gallery
  • Boys 8 Yr Old National Tournament
  • Boys 10 Yr Old National Tournament
  • Boys 12 Yr Old National Tournament
  • Girls International Tournament

THE HISTORY OF BIDDY BASKETBALL

Prior to 1951, basketball was only fun for the 12 year old that was tall enough, could get the ball as high as the goal, and could find other players for a makeshift game which was often disorderly. But then came a man named Jay Archer from Scranton, Pennsylvania and it all changed with something called Biddy Basketball.  A height limit, shorter goal, smaller ball and shorter court brought basketball down to young people in a competitive way that they hadn’t known before.

By the mid-1950’s, Biddy had spread nationwide and tournaments determined a national champion.  The U.S. government recognized the value of Biddy and sent Archer to South America and Asia as a good-will measure to give Biddy clinics and begin Biddy programs.  Archer’s dream came true in 1967 with the first World Tournament in which teams from 10 nations and commonwealths participated.

Youngsters throughout the world lost a good friend when Jay Archer died. But they found another in Henry “Dunk” Beter, who directed the program from 1970 until his retirement in June 1996.  His untiring efforts continued to enhance the program. Now, a new era begins. Firmin Simms has been an active advocate of Biddy Basketball since 1955, and became an assistant to Beter in the late 1970’s.

Coach Firmin Simms (3rd from Left; National Director) shown here in 1963 with his 12 yr old  New Orleans Biddy Team.  Jay Archer (B.B. originator; far right) awards the New Orleans team with a championship trophy.

Where does Biddy go from here?  The best years are ahead. More and more, Biddy athletes are developing into the professional, collegiate, and high school leagues.  To meet the changing needs of the sport and the youth, Biddy raised the heights of the goals for the 11 and 12 year old boys and girls to 10 feet because of the growth of today’s athletes.

We owe Jay Archer and Henry Beter much. Fortunately, we have many outstanding volunteers who recognize the worth of the program and are helping to repay this debt. Their hard work and dedication enable Biddy Basketball to flourish and to continue the development of basketball skills in these young athletes.

Biddy Basketball continues to thrive. With God’s continued blessing and love, Biddy will continue to serve millions of youngsters throughout the world.