1. Teams can comprise three to six players: three starters and up to three substitutes.

2. All players must be aged 8 or above.

3. Adult teams (with at least one player over 18) will be categorized by the average age of all team members. Youth divisions are determined by the oldest player.

4. No alterations to the roster are permitted after the team's first scheduled game.

5. Every team is guaranteed a minimum of three scheduled games.

6. Games are played on a half court following the Official Hoops For Loot 3x3 rules.

7. Scoring involves one point per basket, two points for shots made behind the designated 3-point line. The winning condition is reaching 21 points or leading after the 25-minute time limit. Possession alternates after each made basket.

8. Hoops for Loot retains the right to verify a player’s height or age. Providing inaccurate information can result in immediate disqualification of the entire team. EACH PLAYER MUST CARRY PERSONAL PICTURE IDENTIFICATION (birth certificate for minors).

9. Hoops for Loot 3x3 reserves the right to adjust the number or duration of scheduled games due to unforeseen circumstances. These rules aim to ensure fair play for all participants and closely align with USA standards.

Basketball competition rules. All players and coaches are expected to understand these rules prior to participating in 3x3 competition.​

Game Administration & Rules

Roster Size

● 6 player limit (must have 3 players to start the game)

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.

● 30 minutes or 21 points

● 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

● 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

The shot clock is to be monitored by the ref and should be counted aloud

for the final 5 seconds.

● All ages

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

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 (If applicable)

● 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.