The following are weird, but in quotes: 1. Substitutions may be made at any dead-ball situation, regardless of possession. (We instituted, in BAYS, a if Team A subs on their throw-in, Team B can, too - rule. This is way out there, though) 2. Field dimensions are 40 yards by 30 yards (How big is that, realistically?) 3. There is no ball contact allowed within the goal box, however, any player may enter the goal box. If a defender touches the ball in the goal box, a goal is awarded to the offensive team. (Um, we can't do that by USSF rules, but whatever) 4. The game shall consist of two 12-minute halves separated by a two minute halftime period (OK, that's not a problem) OR the first team to reach 12 goals, whichever comes first. (Right, cause that's directly in alignment) 5. A goal may only be scored from a touch, offensive or defensive, within a team's offensive half of the field. The ball must be completely on the offensive half of the field: Can not be touching the mid-line. (No comment.) 6. No slide tackling. Players can slide if there is no contact or intent to contact initiated. 7. In all dead ball situations, including kickoffs, defending players must stand at least 5 yards away from the ball. 8. The ball shall be kicked into play from the sideline instead of thrown in. Kick-ins are considered in play when the ball is touched with a foot. 9. All dead ball kicks, with the exception of corners and penalties, are indirect. 10. Goal kicks may be taken from any point on the endline. 11. Abuse of the referee, verbal or otherwise, will not be tolerated. The field referee will have the authority to eject any offending party. Good God. At least they have a nice, strong ZTP. (ducks) Sound off! Prof
Let's look at it thinking "For the Good of the Game" and the fact that 3 v 3 is a rather unique way to play a competitive game. 1. GOOD, everybody gets to play. 2. VERY GOOD. Length is 4 yards less than the width on a PA and width is more than 1 1/2 times the depth of a PA. Plenty of space for even U19s to play 3 v 3! 3. COOL. Keeps players from "tending" the goal. Encourages everybody to play a man. 4. OK. Would rather see a "mercy rule" than first to 12 but I'm OK with the rule. 5.GOOD. Encourages working the ball upfield instead of cheap long ball (uncreative) goals. 6. YEA!! 7. GOOD 8. I see this more and more in small sided tourneys. 9. GOOD Encourages team play 10. NO PROBLEM....I just wish they'd call it a GOAL LINE! 11. OH oh....Let the coaches eject their parents! Don't get involved with the soccer dad who thinks that soccer is some other sport!
Which is exactly what the Laws of the Game call for, and exactly what is in effect for all international, professional and most amateur matches. Youth and senior matches are the only places where there are changes made to this.
You will have a blast This 3v3 tournament is a blast. I've done 2 weekends of this in the Chicago area and it's the most fun in your uniform. The action can get pretty hot since there can be trips to Florida riding on the results. Unfortunately I will likely miss it this year. AJ
In the last few years the local 6v6 tournament has been doing "sub-on-the-fly", 18 minute half, swap end/no break. It is hilarious to watch new teams try to get the substitution rhythm and the 5-on-none breaks that can occur. I argued (and still argue) against the on-the-fly substitution. As a referee I feel there aer things on the pitch that require my attention more than the sub'ing, but a team can get a significant advantage when new players enter before others exit (or even stop playing ). Very, very few refs worry about it and I've stopped working the tournament (after 15 years of giving up my Columbus Day weekends - and usually taking a Tuesday sick day because I can barely walk).