fcom - 3x3 - V2 - Q&A
Questions & Answers
Welcome to the 3x3 Q&A page. Here you will find a selection of the most common 3x3 related questions.
Should the following section not provide you with the information you are looking for, please contact 3x3@fiba.com.
FIBA & 3x3:
Why is FIBA embracing 3x3 basketball?
3x3 basketball is already today the number one urban sport in the world.
In line with FIBA's vision to make basketball the most popular sports community in the world, FIBA is embracing 3x3 with the aim of further promoting, uniting and developing the game of basketball.
FIBA believes that 3x3 presents an excellent opportunity to attract new people to basketball and to raise awareness that everyone can play basketball, anywhere in the world.
Embracing an additional stand-alone discipline offers the opportunity to extend the reach of participating or hosting countries in international competitions.
Click here to find out more about FIBA and 3x3 basketball.
What's FIBA's vision for 3x3 basketball?
Establish a pro FIBA 3x3 World Tour that allows the 3x3 stars to make a living out of 3x3. Create the largest sports community in the world by having all 3x3 events worldwide included on 3x3planet.com.
Click here to find out more about FIBA and 3x3 basketball.
When does FIBA expect 3x3 to be part of the Olympic programme?
FIBA has officially requested IOC to include 3x3 in the Olympic Programme and is aiming for 3x3 basketball to get Olympic status at the very first opportunity..
Click here to find out about FIBA's roadmap for the development of 3x3 basketball.
Is 3x3 being introduced in other international competitions?
Yes. 3x3 is part of the Youth Olympic Programme since 2010. There are regular 3x3 World Championships; every two years (on even years) for men and women, whilst annually for U18 category . In addition, there is a yearly, city-based FIBA 3x3 World Tour since 2012.
Additionally, basketball is played at FISU's World University Championships as well as other multi-sports events
Events:
What is FIBA's Competition Network?
FIBA's integrated Competition Network comprises of all FIBA-endorsed events, from standalone events to the qualifiers and Masters of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.
What is a FIBA-endorsed event?
Any event can be endorsed. The requirements are that the organiser:
- Uses the FIBA 3x3 rules
- Uses the freeware EventMaker for the management of the tournament, including the upload of results
- Ensures that all participating players are registered on 3x3planet.com
- Grants FIBA royalty-free licence to amend, use and distribute footage and photographs of the event
Click here for more information about organising 3x3 events and FIBA's 3x3 endorsement process.
What competition format can be endorsed by FIBA ?
The classic format to be in place is round robins followed by a knock-out phase, leading to a final game; standings are calculated to force rank all the participating teams. Additional formats such as single elimination bracket may also be approved at request.
Click here for more information about organising 3x3 events and FIBA's 3x3 endorsement process.
What is the minimum number of teams per tournament?
The minimum number of teams is four in the classic format and eight in single elimination.
Are there specific scoresheets available for 3x3 basketball?
Yes, scoresheets are used to keep track of the scoring within a game while, once the game ends, results are managed electronically by EventMaker, which is available for for download on 3x3planet.com.
What's the time slot to be allocated when playing full or basic rules?
Practice shows that a 10 minutes game can be played within a 20 minute timeframe.
3x3 Tours:
What is a 3x3 Tour?
A 3x3 Tour is a series of at least three FIBA-endorsed events tournaments linked togetherbeing the last one the final. There can be more than one 3x3 tour in any given country.
Competition Management Tools:
What is EventMaker and how can I have access to it?
FIBA’s freeware EventMaker is the official tournament management tool for all FIBA endorsed 3x3 events and is available for download. The Event Maker comes with a video tutorial, while FIBA is also willing to provide demonstration of the tool. Its use is mandatory to become a FIBA-endorsed event.
How many computers have to be used to run the Event Maker competition management tool?
One computer is enough to register players, team and set the competition up. Should the stadium scoring feature be used - one computer per court is needed..
Click here for more information about EventMaker.
Can EventMaker be downloaded on any computer? Mac & Windows?
EventMaker only runs on Windows. Though it may be considered as cumbersome, Windows also operates on Mac.
I heard about webinars which consist of an online training for tournament organisers who will be using the EventMaker competition management tool. How can I take part in one?
FIBA provides a comprehensive EventMaker training, which will allow you to manage your competition on your own. Contact 3x3@fiba.com to enquire about the next one and you'll receive video and audio access codes to take part in the webinar.
3x3Planet and ranking:
The digital platform 3x3planet.com is a basketball community website that allows players to track their results of all their games including pick-up games and compare with friends and opponents. A personalized dashboard includes ranking providing players with a beyond-the-court experience. In addition, it will notify the player about upcoming 'geo-relevant' tournaments.
Click here to visit 3x3planet.com.
What are the basic principles behind the FIBA 3x3 ranking?
The Ranking is an indicator central to FIBA's ranking system.
" The Ranking is a player's individual position among registered 3x3planet.com players based on points won at FIBA endorsed competitions and pick-up games.
A complete explanation is available on the Ranking page of the 3x3 Hub.
Equipment:
What is the official surface for 3x3 basketball?
There is no mandatory surface for 3x3 basketball; a tournament can take place on concrete, asphalt, existing or temporary courts. Playability and player safety are key components when choosing a surface.
What is the size of a 3x3 court?
The official court size is 15 meters in width and 11 in length long with 1.5 meter boundaries. The court markings for the key and three-point lines are the same as on a standard court.
Accordingly, a standard basketball court falls within the recommended dimensions and allows two 3x3 games to be played simultaneously.
Where can equipment (backstops, hoops, outdoor shot-clocks, scoreboards) be purchased/ordered?
The FIBA Study Centre has recently extended its activities to include equipment specifically designed for 3x3 basketball.
For more information about equipment for 3x3 basketball, download the FIBA Outdoor Equipment manual.
Eligibility & Teams:
What are the age groups or categories?
While FIBA only organises 3x3 tournaments for open and U18 age categories, FIBA recommends dividing players into the following age categories: U12, U15, U18, open (or "senior") and over-30s.
Click here for more information about player eligibility.
What is the maximum number of players per team in a tournament?
Teams are composed of three players, plus one possible substitute. Accordingly, the maximum number of players is four.
How are teams put together or selected?
A team is composed of a group of friends, team-mates, co-workers, etc. For nationality-based competition (such as the FIBA 3x3 World Championships, the Youth Olympic Games, etc.), each National Federation is responsible for selecting the team. However, only players having previously participated in at least two FIBA -endorsed events in the previous 12 months are eligible. In any case national team players must be registered in 3x3planet.com and hold a planet ID number.
Click here for more information about player eligibility.
How are players chosen to the national team?
Player selection for national team is a national federation prerogative and has to follow any of the following two models:
1. National trial, whereas the winner of the trial becomes the national team
2. Direct appointment of 4 players, subject to minimum 2 players being in the top 10 ranked nationals in the corresponding category (men, women, U18 men, U18 women).
More on this matter can be found in the Downloads section.
Are coaches foreseen in the teams?
No, coaching is not allowed during the competitions. However, coaches or trainers are welcome in preparation to a competition or to increase the skill levels of the players.
Other:
Is FIBA organising events?
Yes. FIBA currently organises the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, which includes a set number of Masters events as well as a grand final and for which any team can qualify through a set network of qualifying tournaments. FIBA also organises 3x3 World Championships at open and U18 levels.
Will awards be handed out to the best player at the end of each season?
Currently this is not the case. However, this is being considered for future seasons.
Why is the size 6 ball used for all categories?
FIBA wants to develop a specific ball for 3x3 in line with the goal of democratising basketball, opening to and engaging a wider population regardless of age, gender or size. Until then, size 6 balls facilitate these goals making basketball more accessible to everybody helping to reach beyond the classic basketball player.
Find and download all 3x3 documents here