RULES
General Rules
1. Teams can consist of three, four or five players: three starters and one or two substitutes.
2. All players must be age 8 or older.
3. Adult teams (at least one player over age 18) will be placed into divisions based on average age of all team members on roster. Youth divisions are grouped based on the oldest player on the team.
4. No roster changes may be made after a team starts its first scheduled game.
5. All teams are guaranteed at least four (4) scheduled games.
6. Games are played on a half court using Official Hoop It Up 3x3 rules.
7. Scoring: one point per basket; two points for shots made behind the designated 3-point line. First team to 21 points wins; OR the team ahead after the 25-minute time limit wins. Possession alternates after each made basket.
8. Hoop It Up reserve the right to verify any player’s height or age. Inaccurate information is grounds for immediate disqualification of the entire team. EACH PLAYER MUST CARRY PERSONAL PICTURE IDENTIFICATION (birth certificate for minors).
9. Hoop It Up reserves the right to reduce the number of scheduled games, or shorten games, due to unforeseen circumstances.
The following rules have been designed to ensure fair play for all participants and closely align with USA
Basketball and FIBA competition rules. All players and coaches are expected to understand these rules
prior to participating in 3x3 competition.
Game Administration & Rules
Roster Size
● 5 player limit (must have 3 players to start the game) ProAm 4 player limit
Referees
● 1 required
The game Referee is the final authority for each game. All scores are final once certified by the game referee. The use of video review by game officials is prohibited.
Time/Score Keepers
● 1 required, 2 suggested (a parent from each team) or in tournament play the referee will keep
score
Time-outs
● Each team is allowed one 30-second timeout per game. The game clock does not stop during
timeouts. NO timeouts are permitted in the last three minutes of the game.
Initial Possession
● Coin flip (winning the coin flip allows a team to start the game with the ball or decline in order
to get the ball in a potential overtime)
Game Duration & Scoring Limits
● League Operators will have the option to organize their games according to either format
below. ● ProAm teams will play by FIBA rules – 10 minute stop clock 21 points
● 1x20/25 minutes
● Running clock
● The first team to 21 points (applies to regular playing time only) or the team with the most
points at the end of the game
● 1x16 minutes
● Running clock
● The first team to 21 points (applies to regular playing time only) or the team with the most
points at the end of the game
Overtime
● First team to score two (2) points wins
Scoring
● Baskets made from inside the arc count as one point. Baskets made from behind the arc count
as two points.
Substitutions
● Can occur in dead ball situations, prior to the check ball. Players must enter the game at the top
of the court.
Starting Possessions
● To start the game and after any dead ball that requires checking the ball at the top, the ball
must be passed (not dribbled) from the check box at the rear of the court.
● First violation: Warning from the referee or court monitor
● Each Additional Violation: Change of possession
Shot Clock
● ProAm
o 12 seconds. The shot clock is to be monitored by the ref and should be counted aloud
for the final 5 seconds.
● All ages
o No shot clock – however, no stalling is allowed. The referee, court monitor, or staff
member may institute a 30 second clock at any time. After a team has been warned
about stalling, failure to hit the rim on the offensive possession within 30 seconds will
result in loss of possession. The referee will count down the final 5 seconds.
Free Throws
● 1 free throw if fouled while shooting
● 2 free throws if fouled while shooting behind the arc
● 1 free throw if fouled while shooting and the shooter makes the shot
● Free throws count as one point
● ProAm
o Following a made free throw the ball is live as soon as the ball goes through the basket
and the opposing team can gain possession and clear. If the free throw is missed, the
ball is live and the offensive team can rebound and play, or the defensive team can
rebound and clear.
● 10U & Above
o Following a made free throw, the opposing team will check the ball at the top. If the
free throw is missed, the ball is live and the offensive team can rebound and play, or the
defensive team can rebound and clear.
Jump Ball
● All jump balls become possession of the defensive team
Team Foul Limit (no individual fouls)
● 6 team fouls
Penalty for Team Fouls 7-9
● 2 free throws
Penalty for Team Fouls 10+
● 2 free throws and possessions of the ball
Possession Following A Successful Goal
● ProAm
o Defense gains possession (no make it – take it). The possession begins right underneath
the hoop when the defensive team takes possession of the ball. Ball to be dribbled or
passed to a player behind the arc (both feet). Defensive team not allowed to make a
play for the ball inside the “no-charge semicircle” (area under the basket).
● 10U & Above
o Check ball exchange behind the arc (at the top)
Possession Following a Dead Ball
● Check ball exchange behind the arc (at the top)
Possession Following a Defensive Rebound or Steal
● Ball to be dribbled/passed behind the arc
Playoffs
● Players must play in at least 2 games to be eligible for the playoffs
Coaching Rules
● 11U & Above
● Coaches are allowed to provide guidance during timeouts, and before and after the games.
Coaches can also make substitutions.
● Coaches will be penalized a point if a ref sees excessive coaching during games.
● Penalties will be assessed at the referee’s discretion.
● 10U & Below
o The same rules apply as the 11U and above, however refs will be slightly more tolerant
of coaching.
o Coaches can be penalized a point if a ref sees excessive coaching during the games.