3 on 3 Basketball Rules (PDF) 

3 on 3 Basketball Scoresheet (PDF) 

Three-on-three uses the same principles and concepts of regulation 5-on-5 basketball, except that it is played on a half court with only six players on the floor. This form of basketball allows the more recreational type of athlete to stay involved with this great sport!

The following guide can be used to direct your group in hosting a successful 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST (needed for every ½ court)

1. One regulation basketball (size 5 for boys & girls, ages 9 and under (also called “mini ball); Size 6 for girls under 17 years old; boys 13 and under (also called “small ball” or “women’s ball”); Size 7 for girls over 18; boys 14+ (also called “regular ball” or “men’s ball”)
2. Recommend that you use an indoor / outdoor or rubber basketball. Leather or synthetic balls will deteriorate quickly with outdoor use.
3. Flip-card scoring unit – can be either purchased or hand made
4. 3 on 3 scoresheet
5. Working pen and clipboard – use a string to tie the pen to the board
6. Copy of official tournament rules
7. Stocked medical / first aid kit
8. Ice on hand with bags – store in ice cooler or use instant ice packs – plan to have a lot on hand!
9. Tournament Schedule (see samples)
10. Tournament Result Boar

1. Ideal 3 on 3 court size:    40 feet x 40 feet
2. Basket heights: 10’ for all participants over 10 years old; 8 ½’ for boys & girls under 10 years old (if possible) - Measure heights from the back of the rim
3. Three-point line - 19’9” radius measured from the centre of the rim outwards
4. Free throw line - 15’ measured from the front of the backboard outwards (13’ for participants under 10 years old)
5. Take Back Line - 22’ measured from the back of the rim outward
6. For more, see FIBA Official Court Layout

REFEREES & THEIR DUTIES

Each referee and / or court monitor must be provided with a clipboard, 3-on-3 scoresheets, pen, tournament rules and your tournament schedule.

1. Recommend one referee per ½ court to officiate the games and to keep score. If available, two officials should be used for semi-finals and finals.
2. If no referee available, you must have a “Court Monitor” to scorekeep and keep games on time.
3. Last resort would have players call their own game.
4. Encourage referees to bring whistle, gray referee shirt, sun block, water bottle and hat (if outside)
5. Ensure the referees are aware of the tournament rules and procedures well in advance of the games. A Tournament Organizer must available at the tournament at all times.

Referee Responsibilities:    

• Ensure all games begin and end on time
• Keep time (30 Minutes, running)
• Keep score (1 point per basket & free throws, 2 for outside “3 pt. line”) on provided scoresheet.
• Act as final decision maker when the players cannot reach one. The CM’s decision is final!
• Act is a source for tournament information. Keep your CM’s up-to-date on timelines, tournament rules, locations, etc.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE GUIDE 

Use the following guide to schedule your tournament. All examples guarantee three games. Feel free to modify to your own needs.

NOTES

• Time Requirement:   Allow 30 minutes, running time per game
• Do not schedule more than two games back to back for teams – allow for breaks to avoid overexertion, fatigue and injury.

FACTORS TO SEPARATE TEAMS INTO DIVISIONS (in order)

1. Gender (male or female) - if team is co-ed, place them into the male division
2. Present Age - take the average age of the team – add all team members ages; divide by number of team members
3. Height - take the average height of the team – add all team members height; divide by number of team members
4. Ability - on team entry form, ask for playing experience or frequency of participation (daily, weekly, monthly, never, etc.)

 
PRECAUTIONS ON PARTICIPATING OUTDOORS

Checklist

• Sun block – at least SPF 15 (if played outdoors)
  
• Ice – important for injuries and keeping cool
• Cold water / liquids – avoid soft drinks – cold water is the best
• Hat – prevent sun stroke and sunburn
• Sunglasses – with UV protection
• Stocked medical / first aid kit
• Emergency phone numbers / directions to hospitals

BUDGETING FACTORS

Basketball is a very inexpensive sport to operate. There is however costs that any event must deal with. The following items should be considered when budgeting for your event

Expenses

1. Site / gym / portable hoop rental
2. Equipment (see page 1) (balls, clipboards, pens, etc.)
3. Referee / Court Monitor payment
4. Photocopying / administration
5. Promotion (posters, mailing, faxing, long distance phone calls)
6. Medical / first aid supplies
7. Others! – there are always expenses listed as “other”… be prepared for them!

Revenue

1. Tournament entry fee
2. Sponsors / suppliers
3. Funding / grants / donations
4. Other? (be creative!)

 
OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER

• Music playing (radio, taped music)
• Public address system – announcements, presentations
• Three-point shooting contest
• Free throw shooting contest
• Slam dunk competition
• Participant T-shirts & other give aways

PROMOTION TOOLS & IDEAS

1. Distribute information to area schools
2. Media release (use the Basketball Manitoba Media Release Machine )
3. Basketball Manitoba's web site (create your own web site , web calendar , newsletter , etc)
4. Contact past participants
5. Contact regional Sport Associations
6. Develop poster or brochures
   

 
OTHER TIPS & SUGGESTIONS

1. Be sure to clean the playing surface (indoor & outdoor) to ensure a safe playing environment for all.
2. Use the above guides to make the appropriate court lines. You can use either a durable tape indoors or a non-permanent paint outside. Be sure that the tape you put down won’t damage the floor when removed.
3. Have extra balls on hand to replace ones either lost or stolen (it happens!).
4. Get some volunteers to help! – contact participant’s parents, friends etc.

HAVE FUN AND GOOD LUCK!