Rules

LEAGUE AND Tournament Rules – Hothands 3x3

Welcome to the Hothands 3x3 Tournament! To keep games fair, fun, and competitive, all players and teams are expected to follow the rules below:

Game Format

Team Size: 3 players on court + up to 2 substitutes.
Game Time: 12 minutes running clock OR first to 21 points (whichever comes first).
Time Outs: Each team gets a 30 second timeout every game.
Shot Clock: 12 seconds (referee discretion).
Possession: A jump ball determines first possession. After each made basket, the opposing team starts with the ball behind the arc. There is no need for a check ball after a made basket, the opposing team gets possession and must take the ball outside the arc to initiate offence. It is a fast paced game, defence turn to offence in seconds, don't be caught snoozing!
Made Basket: After a basket is scored, the scoring team must leave the ball for the opponents. Possession must be cleared beyond the three-point arc before another scoring attempt can be made.
Clear Ball: On every change of possession (blocks, steals, rebounds, or made baskets), the ball must be cleared beyond the three-point arc before the team can start their offense.

Scoring

Field goals inside the arc = 1 point.
Field goals beyond the arc = 2 points.
Field goals from the HotHands logo (if present) = 3 points
Free throws = 1 point.
First team to 21 points OR team leading at the end of regulation wins.
If tied at the end of regulation, play continues until a team leads by 2 points.

Fouls & Free Throws

Team Fouls: After 6 team fouls, the opposing team is awarded free throws for every foul committed.
Shooting Fouls:
- Inside arc = 1 free throw.
- Beyond arc = 2 free throws.
Technical/Unsportsmanlike Fouls: 2 free throws + possession.
No overly physical play — safety comes first.

In-GAME Substitutions

Allowed only during dead balls (after a made basket, foul, or stoppage).
Substitutions must be made before a check-ball or free throw. Players switch behind the sideline in the bench area, with the substitute entering only after tagging the teammate who is leaving. No referee or table approval is required.

Sportsmanship

Respect referees, opponents, and teammates at all times.
Trash talk is part of the game, but no threats, fighting, or abusive language will be tolerated.
Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in ejection from the game or tournament.
Any intentional delay of game will result in a warning, followed by a turnover or free throw on repeated violations.

Other Notes

Teams must wear matching jerseys/shirts with visible numbers.
Decisions of referees and tournament officials are final.

What happens if my team can’t field 3 players for a LEAGUE game?

We understand that exams, weddings, travel, illness and other important life events can come up. No worries — we want to keep the games going and avoid forfeits!

If your team can’t field the minimum 3 rostered players, you may request an approved substitute player for that game.
Here’s how it works:

Subs must be approved by the league before the game.
There’s a $30 game-day sub fee.
Subs will wear one of your team’s jerseys for that game.
Substitutes are not eligible for playoffs, unless they later register officially for the full season.
Teams can use subs for a maximum of 3 games per season.
Substitute player stats will not be recorded toward season totals.

We encourage teams to plan ahead and keep their rosters ready — but this policy helps everyone enjoy the game and keeps the schedule running smoothly!

Play hard. Play fair. Have fun.
HotHands Basketball is about competition, community, and respect for the game.