3v3 Showdown Rules

All games will be played under standard basketball rules, with the 3v3 tournament exceptions noted below.

Divisions

• 8U (1–2 Grade): 27.5" ball | 8.5 ft hoop
• 10U (3–4 Grade): 28.5" ball | 10 ft hoop
• 12U (5–6 Grade): 28.5" ball | 10 ft hoop
• 14U (7–8 Grade): 29.5" ball | 10 ft hoop
• 18U (9–12): 29.5" ball | 10 ft hoop
• Adult/Open

Team Rosters

• Minimum 3 players per team.
• Maximum 4 players per team.
• 3 players are on the court at one time.
• Players may only play for one team per division.
• Players may not switch teams once tournament play begins.
• Teams must play in the division of their highest-grade player.

Game Format

• Games are played half-court.
• Games are 25 minutes or first to 20 points, whichever comes first.
• Games use a running clock.
• The clock stops on dead balls during the final 60 seconds.
• 2 30-second timeouts per game.
• The first team to 20 points wins.
• Teams do not have to win by 2.
• If time expires, the team with the highest score wins.

Scoring

• Inside the 3-point arc: 1 point
• Behind the 3-point arc: 2 points
• Free throws: 1 point

Overtime

• If tied at the end of regulation:
• First team to score 2 points wins
• A coin toss determines first possession.

Starting Possession

• A coin toss determines first possession.
• The team that loses the opening coin toss receives the first alternating possession.
• Alternating possession is used for jump-ball situations.

Checked Ball

• Play begins with a checked ball at the top of the court.
• The defensive player must check the ball before play begins.
• The ball must be passed to begin play.
• The defense must provide approximately 3 feet of space during the check.

Change of Possession

• Possession changes after every made basket. There is no make-it, take-it.
• The ball must be cleared after:
• Made baskets
• Defensive rebounds
• Steals
• Any other change of possession

Clearing the Ball

• The ball must be cleared beyond the 3-point arc or designated line.
• The player possessing the ball and the entire basketball must cross the take-back line.
• Failure to clear the ball results in a change of possession.
• A basket scored before the ball is properly cleared does not count.

Out of Bounds

• Out-of-bounds possessions begin with a checked ball at the top of the court.

Fouls & Free Throws

• All games are officiated by BBL officials.
• Players do not call their own fouls.
• Defensive foul: 1 free throw
• Offensive foul: change of possession
• If a player is fouled and makes the basket:
• The basket counts.
• No additional free throw is awarded.
• After a free throw attempt, possession changes to the opposing team.
• The official's decision is final.

Intentional & Flagrant Fouls

• Intentional fouls result in:
• 1 free throw
• Possession of the ball
• Excessive contact, taunting, or unsportsmanlike conduct may be ruled intentional.
• A flagrant foul may result in removal for the remainder of the game.
• A second flagrant foul may result in removal from the tournament.
• BBL tournament officials have final authority on disqualifications.

Substitutions

• Substitutions may be made during dead-ball situations.
• Players must enter and exit from their designated team area.

Dunking

• Dunking is not permitted during games or warm-ups.
• Dunking may result in an unsportsmanlike penalty.

Sportsmanship

• Good sportsmanship is expected from all players, coaches, parents, and spectators.
• Fighting, threatening behavior, taunting, excessive arguing, or abusive language will not be tolerated.
• BBL may remove any player, coach, parent, or spectator from the facility.
• Players involved in fighting may be immediately disqualified from the tournament.

Tournament Format & Seeding

• Minimum 3 games guaranteed.
• Pool play will determine championship bracket seeding.
• Seeding tiebreakers:

1. Win-loss record
2. Head-to-head result
3. Net point differential (maximum +10/-10 per game)
4. Coin toss

• Tournament format may be adjusted based on the number of teams registered in each division.

Tournament Shirts & Awards

• Every registered player receives an official BBL 3v3 Showdown tournament shirt.
• Shirt sizes are based on the size submitted during registration.
• Shirt size changes are not guaranteed after the registration deadline.
• Championship awards will be presented to the winning team in each division.

Final Authority

• BBL tournament officials have final authority on rule interpretations and game decisions.
• BBL may adjust tournament procedures when necessary for player safety, competitive balance, or tournament operations.