Please note: Free agents may be assigned to any teams with less than 6 people at the close of registration. If you DO NOT wish to have free agents added to your team, please reach out to us at Pridesportsleaguedm@gmail.com and make this request.

Pride Sports League 3v3 Basketball Divisions

Divisions
Divisions are determined based captain division choice, and on the average self-rankings of the players on each team. The number of divisions and the number of teams within each division will depend on total registration. A minimum of four teams is required for each division, meaning that in seasons with fewer teams, divisions may be combined, with efforts made to ensure a balanced level of play across teams. Players and teams are expected to play in a manner that respects their opponents’ skill level and fosters inclusivity.

• Social Division:
  Designed for teams with primarily Level 1 and Level 2 players who are new to basketball or prefer a more casual, fun-focused experience. This division emphasizes inclusivity and enjoyment over competition.

• Competitive Division:
  Reserved for teams with predominantly Level 3 and Level 4 players. This division features more advanced gameplay and strategic competition, catering to experienced and skilled players.

Individual Player Rankings

All participants must self-rate their skill level during registration on a scale of 1 to 4. Returning players must rank themselves as Level 2 or higher, as ratings of 1 for returning players will be automatically adjusted to Level 2.

• Level 1 – Beginner/No Experience:
• New to basketball and playing for the first time in an adult recreational league. Has limited or no experience with the sport and is still learning the basics.
• Level 2 – Beginner/Some Experience:
• Played basketball in a previous season with Pride Sports League or another league but is still relatively new to the game. Understands basic rules and mechanics but is not focused on strategic gameplay.
• Level 3 - Intermediate:
• Has experience and an intermediate understanding of basketball rules and mechanics. Shows interest in moderate strategy and improving gameplay.
• Level 4 – Experienced/Advanced Skills:

Has extensive experience and a solid understanding of rules and mechanics. Interested and actively seeks more competitive and strategic gameplay, focusing on refining skills.

Pride Sports League 3v3 Basketball Rules (Jan 2025)

Adapted from FIBA 3v3 Rules

PSL Prelude

• Games are scheduled for 30 minutes
• Example schedule for a 30-minute game
• 6:00–6:05 = Warm-up
• 6:05-6:15 = 1^st half
• 6:15-6:20 = Half-time

6:20-6:30 = 2^nd half

Court and Ball

• Games are played on one half court which includes a traditional 3-point line. Depending on the facility, this might be the traditional line, or a straight line near the top of the key.
• A 28.5’’ (traditional 6) will be used in all games, unless both captions agree they would rather use a traditional size 7 and PSL has one available.

Teams

• Each team will consist of 4 – 6 players with 3 playing at a time.

Game Officials

• Each game requires a time and score keeper. This may be PSL board members or other members of the league. If no one is available, extra players from teams playing should take turns in this role.
• If official referees are not available, fouls should be called by scorekeepers and players. Players are expected to use good sportsmanship. If a call is undecided, possession will return to the team who originally had it at the top of the key.

Beginning of the Game

• The home team, as designated by the PSL schedule, begins each half with possession.

Scoring

• Every shot made inside the line is awarded 1 point.
• Every shot made behind the line is awarded 3 points.
• No Free throws are awarded. Players committing or receiving fouls may declare the foul. Fouls result in the fouled team restarting the possession by checking the ball behind the three-point line, whether or not the foul was committed during a shot attempt.

Playing Time/Winner of a Game

• Each half consists of 10 minutes of play without clock stoppage. Teams are asked not to delay dead ball situations in an unsportsmanlike way.
• If games end in a tie, each team will be awarded one more possession (time permitting). If the game is still tied at the end of one possession each, the game will end in a tie. In tournament play tie-breaker rules will be specified beforehand.
• A team shall lose the game by forfeit if the team is not present with 3 players by the start of the first half (e.g. by the end of the 5-minute warm up period).

How the Ball is Played

• Following a made shot, a player from the non-scoring team takes possession behind the 3-point line, and checks the ball in.
• Following a missed shot:
• If the defensive team rebounds, they must return the ball behind the 3-point line before attempting a shot (no check-ball required in non-dead ball situations).
• If the offensive team rebounds, they may continue to score without returning the ball behind the three-point line.
• If the defensive team steals or blocks the ball, they must return the ball behind the 3-point line.
• Possession given to either team following any dead ball situation will start with a check-ball (between the defensive and offensive player) behind the 3-point line.
• In the event of a jump ball, the defensive team shall be awarded possession.

Fouls

• Personal fouls include contact between players that prevents the fouled player from moving in a natural direction. Flagrant fouls may be called if a person appears to be intentionally trying to injure another player. Flagrant fouls may result in ejection from the game at the discretion of the commissioner and/or PSL board members.
• Double dribbling, traveling, 3-second violations, moving picks, charges, and other personal, lose ball, off the ball, and other traditional basketball fouls will all result in a loss of possession for the fouling team.
• Due to the recreational aspect of PSL’s 3v3 Basketball League, players are expected to use good sportsmanship and defer to the scorekeeper if there is a disagreement regarding a foul.

Substitutions

• Substitutions can be done by any team on any dead ball, prior to the check-ball.

Standings of Teams (only relevant for tournament play)

• If a PSL season culminates with a tournament bracket, seeding is decided by the following factors in descending order:
• Most wins (or win ratio in case of uneven number of regular season games)
• Head-to-head record
• Regular season scoring margin
• Coin flip