History of Rule Changes for WBB

[Wbbfan1]

http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/w_basketball_RB/2016/rules_history.pdf

Smaller Ball Implemented.

1984-85
After two major research studies, committee legislates a smaller ball, about
one inch less in circumference (becoming 28½ to 29 inches) and 2 ounces
lighter (18 to 20 ounces) than the previous ball. (This is the same weight rec
ommended by the original women’s committee in 1899.) Also, slapping ball
in hand of inbounder is technical foul — no warning. Technical foul on bench
also charged to head coach. All three and four free-throw awards are deleted.

 

[ThisJustIn]

Clearly you've been following the twitter debate. I've been researching, trying to find the "two major research studies." Nothing's come up. A recent study in Europe found no benefit. The Effect of Introducing a Smaller and Lighter Basketball on Female Basketball Players’ Shot Accuracy