RULES
RULES
✂️ "Rock, paper, scissors” will determine initial possession of the ball. Court monitor/ref will supervise.
📝 The court monitor will referee the game and keep the score (scores are not displayed). We score the games and track wins/losses/points so we can schedule you to play competitive games. If the game is close in the final minutes, refs will call out the score.
🏀 Ball and hoop sizes:
- 1st/2nd grade – 27.5" (size 5), 8' hoop
- 3rd/4th grade – 28.5" (size 6), 10' hoop (we cannot accommodate lower hoops at this time)
- 5th/6th grades - 28.5" (size 6), 10' hoop
- 7th/8th Girls - 28.5" (size 6), 10' hoop
- 7th/8th Boys - 29.5" (size 7), 10' hoop
⏰ Games have a 20-minute running clock. There are no timeouts. Subs should be used for injury or water breaks; we do not stop the clock, and all games start on time.
⭐️ Unlimited substitutions after made baskets or a dead ball.
- If a team is short players, they may bring - or find in the gym - a sub (sub must have a completed waiver).
- A team may play with only two players (3 on 2) if a sub cannot be found.
👍 Possession of jump balls will alternate (refs keep track)
3️⃣ 3 seconds in the key will result in a turnover. Refs may issue reminders.
👟 Both feet and the ball must go outside of the 3-pt line on a change of possession.
✅ A ball must be checked behind the arc on
- Out of bounds
- Made basket
- Dead ball
⛹🏽 We do not have a baseline out of bounds. A ball must be checked behind the arc on:
- Defensive rebound
- Air ball rebound (no "free backs")
🚫 The half-court line is out of bounds. Refs may remind players of boundaries before the game.
⚠️ No stalling. There will be a ref's discretion 30-second shot clock. For 1st/2nd grades, a ref may call a turnover if a player holds or dribbles the ball without advancing for 5-6 seconds. Refs will teach and remind players the first few times before this results in a turnover over for your team.
🥷STEALING - 1st/2nd grade division is allowed to steal on the pass. They are NOT allowed to steal off the dribble or off a held ball. 3rd grade and above is allowed to steal of the dribble, a held ball, or a pass.
🏀 CHECKING THE BALL - The ball must be checked behind the arc and passed first to begin possession. Because there is a "no dribble" rule, the first pass CANNOT be contested beyond the 3 point line. Anything below the 3 point line can be contested. Defense (on- and off- ball) must remain behind the arc until the ball is passed.
✌️NO DOUBLING - players may help on defense or steal a mid-air pass, but no leaving your player to double another. 1st- 4th grade, no doubling also means no crowding the ball; this will not be allowed in competition.
🧳 TRAVEL / CARRY / DOUBLE DRIBBLE—1st/2nd grade may be issued reminders in the action. 3rd/4th grade may be issued reminders for the first few times on the first day of play; however, after that, the ref will make the call, and the ball will result in a turnover. 5th grade and above will not be issued warnings; a carry, travel, or double dribble will result in a turnover.
GAME PLAY & FORMAT
PARENT CONDUCT
Scoring
- 2 points per basket inside the arc.
- 3 points per basket outside the arc.
🏀 Only 3rd grade and up will shoot free throws. 1st/2nd graders and under will get possession (no shooting free throws), unless it is a tied game at the end of regulation.
🏀 A fouled player will only shoot one free throw no matter where the shot attempt was made (to keep the game moving). Shooters have 6 seconds to shoot once the teams are lined up. Fouls on the ground will result in a check behind the arc.
🏀 Free throw scoring:
- The shot will be worth 1 point if it's an And-1 scenario.
- The shot will be worth 2 points if it's inside the arc shooting foul.
- The shot will be worth 3 points if it's an outside the arc shooting foul.
- Free throw shooting will take place after 5 fouls for grades 3rd and above. No free throw shooting for 1st/2nd grade.
🏀Free throw range: 1st/2nd grade will shoot free throws from the 8-10' range (and only in the event of a tied game shoot out). 3rd/4th graders will shoot free throws from the 12' range. 5th grade and up will shoot from the regulation free throw line. Refs will designate the shooting line for the players.
🏀 Intentional fouls (no matter when they occur) will result in 2 points PLUS the ball.
🏀 Ties will be settled with a free-throw shootout.
- Each team receives 3 opportunities to shoot free throws (3 different shooters).
- The team that makes the most out of the 3 will be declared the winner.
- If there is a tie after 3 shots, additional free throws will be shot alternately until one team makes the free throw and the other team misses (sudden death).
PLAYER CONDUCT
🚫 No swearing, taunting or inappropriate verbal or physical behavior.
✅ Checked balls MUST be checked to the hands with appropriate force to the opposing player. Balls checked at the feet or with too much/too little force may result in charge of “unsportsmanlike” play by the ref.
🚫 Unsportsmanlike play may result in:
1) Warning;
2) Sitting out (ref discretion); or
3) Ejection from the game or league.
🚫 If unnecessary or excessive fouls occur, the ref may impose a technical foul (2 pts plus the ball).
🚫 No hanging on the rim or net.
✅ League shirts should be worn. Teams may wear matching shirts/reversible jerseys if league shirts are not an option.
✅ Players will demonstrate good sportsmanship and shake hands with their opponents.
One referees per game on each youth court. Since a typical AAU, YMCA and other youth game utilizes two referees to obtain a clear view from both sides of play, PNW 3on3 requests the assistance of players, parents and fans to understand that the referee is just one person who is only able to see the game from one perspective.
It is crucial that players and fans understand this and respect that he/she is someone willing to serve as a monitor to call the games to the best of his/her ability, and to maintain the Spirit of PNW 3on3, #Play4Fun. PNW 3on3 strongly discourages parents and fans from becoming factors in the game, and asks that they refrain from negative comments about game action and calls made by the ref, regardless of how incorrect they believe the calls may have been.
PNW 3on3 requires that each youth team designate one person as the Parent Manager. The Parent Manager is the sole representative for the team, the only person with authority to approach the ref during each game. This person is responsible for making sure the other parents and spectators of this team act in a manner that maintains the Spirit of PNW 3on3.
In the youngest youth brackets, the volunteer court monitor may stop play and counsel the players about certain rules before actually calling the violation and taking the ball away from the offending player’s team. These teaching moments are also a part of PNW 3on3. PNW 3on3 hopes to instill in today’s youth the values of playing competitively within a framework of treating their opponents with dignity and respect. PNW 3on3 hopes that spectators and parents will view this as their higher calling, rather than placing an unhealthy emphasis on winning. In order to maintain the Spirit of PNW 3on3, the ref or Site Director has the authority to stop play and ask the coach and players to change their behavior. It is the responsibility of each youth team’s parent manager to exert his/her influence over the players, parents and team followers to maintain the Spirit of PNW 3on3.
🚫If parent has an issue with how the game is being called, please find a Site Director to voice your concerns. Parent Managers on the bench with the kids are the only ones allowed to address the referees. At no point should a parent spectator enter the court or approach a ref in an angry or aggressive manner.
🚫 There is no coaching allowed. We value self-directed play and want the kids to adapt and figure things out on their own.
🚫 If you have an issue with a ref or with another team, please find the Site Director to discuss.
✅ Cheering is encouraged!
✅ SUBBING / COACHING - A parent/guardian may sit with the players in the 1st-6th grade divisions to help with subbing. A college player will assist with subbing reminders if no parent is present. 7th/8th grade divisions will be on their own. We ask parents to prepare their kids or help them come up with a plan on how/when to sub throughout the game. Parents are not allowed on the bench in the 7th/8th grade divisions.
🚫 Parents who are offering "subbing support" may be asked to leave the player if coaching is occurring.
✅ All players need completed liability waivers signed by a parent/guardian to participate. If a team is short
players, teams may bring subs. Subs are required to have a completed liability waiver.
✅ Take the time to THANK A REF, staff member, or opposing player who did a great job.
✅ Help to keep the facility clean. Please take any garbage and water bottles at the end of your games.
Read more about our parent expectations.
–
📝 The court monitor will referee the game and keep the score (scores are not displayed). We score the games and track wins/losses/points so we can schedule you to play competitive games. If the game is close in the final minutes, refs will call out the score.
🏀 Ball and hoop sizes:
- 1st/2nd Grade – 27.5" (size 5),
- 3rd/4th Grade – 28.5" (size 6),
accommodate lower hoops at
this time)
- 5th/6th Grade - 28.5" (size 6),
- 7th/8th Girls - 28.5" (size 6),
- 7th/8th Boys - 29.5" (size 7),
⏰ Games have a 20-minute running clock. There are no timeouts. Subs should be used for injury or water breaks; we do not stop the clock, and all games start on time.
⭐️ Unlimited substitutions after made baskets or a dead ball.
- If a team is short players, they may bring - or find in the gym - a sub (sub must have a completed waiver).
- A team may play with only two players (3 on 2) if a sub cannot be found.
👍 Possession of jump balls will alternate (refs will keep track)
3️⃣ 3 seconds in the key will result in a turnover. Refs may issue reminders to help kids learn the rules of the game.
👟 Both feet and the ball must go outside of the 3-pt line on a change of possession.
✅ A ball must be checked behind the arc on:
- Out of bounds
- Made basket
- Dead ball
⛹🏽 A ball must be taken/dribbled past the arc on:
- Defensive rebound
- Air ball rebound (no "free backs")
🚫 The half-court line is out of bounds. Refs may remind players of boundaries before the game.
⚠️ No stalling. There will be a ref's discretion 30-second shot clock. For 1st/2nd grades, a ref may call a turnover if a player holds or dribbles the ball without advancing for 5-6 seconds. Refs will teach and remind players the first few times before this results in a turnover over for your team.
🥷STEALING - 1st/2nd grade division is allowed to steal on the pass. They are NOT allowed to steal off the dribble or off a held ball. 3rd grade and above is allowed to steal of the dribble, a held ball, or a pass.
🏀CHECKING THE BALL - The ball must be checked behind the arc and passed first to begin possession. Because there is a "no dribble" rule, the first pass CANNOT be contested beyond the 3 point line. Anything below the 3 point line can be contested. Defense (on- and off- ball) must remain behind the arc until the ball is passed.
✌️NO DOUBLING - players may help on defense or steal a mid-air pass, but no leaving your player to double another.
🧳 TRAVEL / CARRY / DOUBLE DRIBBLE—1st/2nd grade may be issued reminders in the action. 3rd/4th grade may be issued reminders for the first few times on the first day of play; however, after that, the ref will make the call, and the ball will result in a turnover. 5th grade and above will not be issued warnings; a carry, travel, or double dribble will result in a turnover.
GAME PLAY & FORMAT
Scoring
- 2 points inside the arc.
- 3 points outside the arc.
🏀 Only 3rd grade and up will shoot free throws. 1st/2nd graders and under will get possession (no shooting free throws), unless it is a tied game at the end of regulation.
🏀 A fouled player will only shoot one free throw no matter where the shot attempt was made (to keep the game moving). Shooters have 6 seconds to shoot once the teams are lined up. Fouls on the ground will result in a check behind the arc.
🏀 Free throw scoring:
- The shot will be worth 1 point if it's an And-1 scenario.
- The shot will be worth 2 points if it's inside the arc shooting foul.
- The shot will be worth 3 points if it's an outside the arc shooting foul.
- Free throw shooting will take place after 5 fouls for grades 3rd and above. No free throw shooting for 1st/2nd grade.
🏀 Free throw range: 1st/2nd grade will shoot free throws from the 8-10' range (and only in the event of a tied game shoot out). 3rd/4th graders will shoot free throws from the 12' range. 5th grade and up will shoot from the regulation free throw line. Refs will designate the shooting line for the players.
🏀 Intentional fouls (no matter when they occur) will result in 2 points PLUS the ball.
🏀 Ties will be settled with a free-throw shootout.
- Each team receives 3 opportunities to shoot free throws (3 different shooters).
- The team that makes the most out of the 3 will be declared the winner.
- If there is a tie after 3 shots, additional free throws will be shot alternately until one team makes the free throw and the other team misses (sudden death).
PLAYER CONDUCT
🚫 No swearing, taunting or inappropriate verbal or physical behavior.
✅ Checked balls MUST be checked to the hands with appropriate force to the opposing player. Balls checked at the feet or with too much/too little force may result in charge of “unsportsmanlike” play by the ref.
🚫 Unsportsmanlike play may result in:
1) Warning;
2) Sitting out (ref discretion); or
3) Ejection from the game or
league.
🚫 If unnecessary or excessive fouls occur, the ref may impose a technical foul (2 pts plus the ball).
🚫 No hanging on the rim or net.
✅ League shirts should be worn. Teams may wear matching shirts/reversible jerseys if league shirts are not an option.
✅ Players will demonstrate good sportsmanship and shake hands with their opponents.
One referees per game on each youth court. Since a typical AAU, YMCA and other youth game utilizes two referees to obtain a clear view from both sides of play, PNW 3on3 requests the assistance of players, parents and fans to understand that the referee is just one person who is only able to see the game from one perspective.
It is crucial that players and fans understand this and respect that he/she is someone willing to serve as a monitor to call the games to the best of his/her ability, and to maintain the Spirit of PNW 3on3, #Play4Fun. PNW 3on3 strongly discourages parents and fans from becoming factors in the game, and asks that they refrain from negative comments about game action and calls made by the ref, regardless of how incorrect they believe the calls may have been.
PNW 3on3 requires that each youth team designate one person as the Parent Manager. The Parent Manager is the sole representative for the team, the only person with authority to approach the ref during each game. This person is responsible for making sure the other parents and spectators of this team act in a manner that maintains the Spirit of PNW 3on3.
In the youngest youth brackets, the volunteer court monitor may stop play and counsel the players about certain rules before actually calling the violation and taking the ball away from the offending player’s team. These teaching moments are also a part of PNW 3on3. PNW 3on3 hopes to instill in today’s youth the values of playing competitively within a framework of treating their opponents with dignity and respect. PNW 3on3 hopes that spectators and parents will view this as their higher calling, rather than placing an unhealthy emphasis on winning. In order to maintain the Spirit of PNW 3on3, the ref or Site Director has the authority to stop play and ask the coach and players to change their behavior. It is the responsibility of each youth team’s parent manager to exert his/her influence over the players, parents and team followers to maintain the Spirit of PNW 3on3.
🚫If parent has an issue with how the game is being called, please find a Site Director to voice your concerns. Parent Managers on the bench with the kids are the only ones allowed to address the referees. At no point should a parent spectator enter the court or approach a ref in an angry or aggressive manner.
🚫 There is no coaching allowed. We value self-directed play and want the kids to adapt and figure things out on their own.
🚫 If you have an issue with a ref or with another team, please find the Site Director to discuss.
✅ Cheering is encouraged.
✅ SUBBING / COACHING - A parent/guardian may sit with the players in the 1st-6th grade divisions to help with subbing. A college player will assist with subbing reminders if no parent is present. 7th/8th grade divisions will be on their own. We ask parents to prepare their kids or help them come up with a plan on how/when to sub throughout the game. Parents are not allowed on the bench in the 7th/8th grade divisions.
🚫 Parents who are offering "subbing support" may be asked to leave the player area if coaching is occurring.
✅ All players need completed liability waivers signed by a parent/guardian to participate. If a team is short players, teams may bring subs. Subs are required to have a completed liability waiver.
✅ Take the time to THANK A REF, staff member, or opposing player who did a great job.
✅ Help to keep the facility clean. Please take any garbage and water bottles at the end of your games.
Read more about our parent expectations.
REGISTER