3 on 3 Gameplay Rules:
● Rim Height and Ball
o Rim height set at 10ft
o Game Ball 28.5 → 3rd-6th Boys/Girls, 7th/8th Girls
o Game Ball 29.5 → 7th/8th Boys
● Beginning of the game
o The game must start with three players on the court. A coin flip shall determine which team gets the first possession. The team that wins the coin flip can either choose to benefit from the ball possession at the beginning of the game or at the beginning of a potential overtime.
● Playing time/Winner of the game
o The regular playing time shall be as follows: one period of 18 minutes playing time. The clock shall NOT be stopped during dead ball situations and free throws. Two 30 time-outs are granted to each team. If a timeout is called the clock shall be restarted after the exchange of the ball is completed (as soon as it is in the offensive team’s hands).
o If the score is tied at the end of playing time, an extra period of two minutes will be played. If the score is still tied at the end of overtime, there will be a shoot-off from the free-throw line to determine the winner.
▪ Shoot-off consists of one player from each team taking a free-throw. Coin flip determines who shoots first. If Team A makes the free-throw, Team B must also make a free-throw to continue the shoot-off, otherwise Team A is deemed the winner. If Team A misses the free-throw and Team B makes the free-throw, Team B is the winner. If both teams miss initial free-throw, the process is repeated with a different shooter from each team until a winner is determined.
● Scoring/Fouls/Free throws
o Every shot inside the arc shall be awarded one 2 points. Every shot behind the arc shall be awarded 3 points. One successful free throw shall be awarded 1 point.
o Fouls during the act of shooting shall be awarded 1 free throw.
o Fouls during the act of shooting followed by a successful field goal shall result in the offensive team retaining possession of the ball. A dead ball check will take place behind the take back line.
o Team Fouls: 10 team fouls results in 1 free throw for the offensive team
o Personal Fouls: No foul limit enforced. Players committing excessive fouls may be removed from competition.
● How the ball is played
o Possession of the ball to start the game or following any dead ball situation shall start with an exchange of the ball (between the defensive and the offensive player) behind the take back line at the top of the court. Players must PASS the ball to a teammate to begin the possession. THEY MAY NOT DRIBBLE TO START POSSESSION. Defense must remain an arms length away from the offensive player during the exchange.
o 3rd-6th: Defense CANNOT steal the ball on the initial exchange and entry to begin a possession. Once the ball has been exchanged and entered into a teammate the ball is live and can be stolen at any time.
o 7th-8th: Defense cannot steal the ball on the exchange but CAN steal the entry pass.
o Any jump ball results in alternating possession and dead ball exchange at the top of the key.
o Following each successful field goal or last free throw:
▪ Dead-ball exchange at the top of the key
o Following each unsuccessful field goal or last free throw:
▪ If the offensive team rebounds the ball, it may continue to attempt to score without returning the ball behind the arc. If the defensive team rebounds or steals the ball, it must return the ball behind the take back line (by passing or dribbling).
o Failure to clear the ball to the take back line by the offensive or defensive team is a violation. First violation results in a warning. Subsequent violations result in a change of possession.
o Stalling or failing to play actively (i.e. not attempting to score) shall be a violation. Possessions should be no longer than 30 seconds.
● Substitutions
o Substitutions can be done by any team when the ball becomes dead, prior to the check-ball. The substitute can enter the game after his teammate steps off the court and establishes a physical contact with him. Substitutions can only take place in front of the score table and substitutions require no action from the referees or table officials.
● Conduct
o Coaches are meant to guide players, meaning, we want teams to be player coached. We want coaches to encourage, teach and assist in helping each player gain a better understanding of how they can successfully contribute on the court.
o Officials are volunteers and offering their time so we can allow players to participate in the tournament. We will not condone any misconduct towards officials or staff.