Rules of the Game
Fast, physical, fair. Everything you need to know before you tip off.
3-on-3 Format
Three players on the court, up to 4 on the roster. Substitutions between made baskets or during dead balls.
10-Minute Games
Games are 10 minutes running clock OR first team to 21 points — whichever comes first.
Scoring
1 point for baskets made inside the arc. 2 points for baskets made outside the arc.
12-Second Shot Clock
A 12-second shot clock is enforced every possession. Failure to attempt results in a turnover.
Change of Possession
Ball must be checked at the top of the arc. On a made basket, defense takes possession and clears to the arc.
4-Game Guarantee
Every team is guaranteed 3 pool-play games plus at least 1 single-elimination bracket game. Pool play runs on four indoor and four outdoor half courts at once; bracket games are indoors on four half courts. There are no losers bracket, third-place games, or third-place awards.
Seeding
Pool play gives teams playing time and lets staff assess performance. Staff consider pool results and observed performance when assigning bracket seeds, using consistent, documented criteria — not win/loss record alone.
Schedule & Start Times
The schedule and preliminary assignments are published January 6 and may be updated for approved late entries, withdrawals, no-shows, and operational needs; affected teams are notified. Games start on 15-minute intervals (up to 10 minutes of play plus 5 minutes of changeover). Extra time is built in between every game to absorb late starts, and games may begin early when both teams are ready; overtime or court conflicts can still delay a start.
Forfeits
A team must have three eligible players ready to play. A team not ready within five minutes after the official start time forfeits that game (pool and bracket). Lateness is measured from the adjusted start when a team is delayed by a previous scheduled game or a staff-directed court delay.
Roster Changes
Ordinary eligible roster changes are allowed through January 2. After that, staff may approve emergency replacements — including at check-in — before the team begins pool play. Replacements must be eligible and complete their own waiver before playing. Replacement players receive their requested T-shirt size when it is available; otherwise they choose from the sizes on hand.
Team Composition
Our regular divisions welcome boys’/men’s teams, girls’/women’s teams, and mixed teams. All team compositions compete together within their eligible age or grade division. Separate girls-only youth brackets may be offered if sufficient teams register; boys cannot enter a girls-only bracket, and no team is moved between brackets without its agreement.
Late & Day-of Registration
Late registrations are subject to available space and T-shirt sizes, the ability to provide the promised games, payment, eligibility, and waivers. Late registrants receive their requested T-shirt size when it is available; otherwise they choose from the sizes on hand. Day-of registration must be staff-approved and completed by the 8:00 AM check-in deadline. Middle School teams must have their designated supervising adult(s) check in and remain on-site.
Play In Your Bracket
Every player must be enrolled in grade 6, 7, or 8 during the 2026–27 school year.
Every player must be enrolled in grade 9, 10, 11, or 12 during the 2026–27 school year.
Open to high school graduates and adults 18+. Players must be 18 or older on January 9, 2027 and may not be currently enrolled in high school. Rec players, former college players, and everyone in between.
Contest Scoring
- Scoring: 60-second main round. Five shooting locations — corner, wing, top, wing, corner — with five balls at each. The first four balls at each spot are worth 1 point; the final money ball is worth 2 points. Maximum score: 30. The ball must leave the shooter’s hand before the horn. The contest runs indoors after pool play and before the bracket, on two to four half courts depending on participation.
- Ties: Shooters tied for first shoot identical 30-second tiebreaker rounds until one leads.
- Entry: One entry per registered player, in that player’s own division. The contest does not affect team standings.
The Fine Print
- 01Rosters must be submitted at registration; no roster changes after check-in on tournament day.
- 02Every player must have a completed waiver before playing. After payment, each adult player (18+ on event day) receives and signs their own waiver link. Each minor's link goes to that player's own parent or legal guardian, who signs for that player. Captains can track waiver status and resend links. Players without a completed waiver cannot check in.
- 03Pool-play games have referees and tournament staff oversight, but championship-bracket games receive full official officiating on the four championship courts. Pool play uses indoor and outdoor covered courts; the 3-Point Challenge and championship bracket are indoors.
- 04Any behavior deemed unsportsmanlike may result in immediate ejection. Removal for a stated rules violation does not create a right to a refund (see the Registration & Refund Policy). Tournament directors have final authority on all disputes.
- 05Players wear their official event T-shirt. Each team is assigned its own reusable pinnie set for the event, and each player keeps the same pinnie all day. The designated away team wears pinnies over its shirts. Pinnies are borrowed equipment — return your team’s set when you finish.
- 06Ties at the end of regulation are broken by a first-to-2-points overtime.
- 07Fouls: On the 7th team foul, the fouled team shoots one free throw worth 1 point. Free throws do not stop the clock.
- 08A player must play in at least one pool play game to be eligible for the championship bracket.
- 09Delays: If severe weather, a venue issue, or another emergency causes a delay, tournament directors may restart or modify the schedule. Cancellations and date changes follow the Registration & Refund Policy.