How To Play 3Team Football
If you wish you can download the Laws of 3Team Football Handbook (.pdf, coming soon)
- The Essentials:
- 3 Teams of 7 players
- 2 Referees, 3 Referees Assistants
- 2 Balls
- 1 Pitch
- 1 high-scoring, fast paced, enjoyable game to watch and play.
Note: Rules are based on the significant changes to Fifa's publication Laws Of The Game, available for download at Fifa.com.
1. Game Synopsis
3Team Football is a variation on the traditional game of association football. As the name would suggest there are three teams playing concurrently in one game and on one pitch. Each team has seven players. There are two balls in play and two referees to oversee the action related to each ball. The pitch is divided into three thirds (similar to traditional 'halves') and each team is given one third to defend. A team may attack the goal of either opposing teams third.
The duration of the game is a total of 90 minutes, divided into three 30 minute 'thirds' with a 5 minute break in between. The teams rotate pitch-thirds clockwise each duration-third to ensure maximum fairness. In some circumstances extra-time is required and is outlined in the competitions section of this document.
At the end of the game the team with the most goals is the
winner, there are two losing teams, even if the second highest
scoring team out-performs the third highest scoring team. The reason
for this is to encourage the two losing teams to work together to
score against the winning team. However, only the scoring team will
be credited with a goal.
If two teams have an equal high score
(example the score is 3-3-0), the game is considered a 2-draw. If
three teams have an equal high score (ex. score 3-3-3), the game is
considered a 3-draw. For more information on points awarded in a
league please see the competitions section.
2. The Playing Area
The pitch is constructed of 3 rectangular areas similar to the halves of a traditional football pitch, with a central equilateral triangle containing the centre circle. Each teams 'third' they are to defend consists of this rectangular area and one third of the centre triangle. The goal area (the box) and goal size are similar to traditional football. As each opponents third is 60 degrees to the left or right of the goal-keepers direct line of sight, the possibilities of scoring from ones own box would be virtually impossible, but for some artful football skills.
3. Rules of 3Team Football
(Version 0.1)
Rules of the game are as similar to the rules of traditional football, except with these notable changes.
- Miscellaneus Rules
- A team can have possession of 0, 1 or 2 balls at any one time.
- In the event of an injury play continues. Physios/medical staff can enter the field of play only with the acceptance of the referee. This is to avoid both strategic cheating in this way found in traditional football, and interupting the play of the other ball. The referee(s) can stop play of both balls if a players injury is deemed serious.
- The 20 second rule enforces all teams to take a corner/free-kick/throw-in within 20 seconds of being awarded. After which the ball can be passed to the 'neutral' team to commence the play. After a further 20 seconds the ball will be passed to the offending team to resume play. The ball referee will gesture the ball is available to the teams although ultimately it is up to players to pay attention. This ruling is to avoid teams abandoning an out-of-play ball to concentrate on the other.
- A team can be deemed offside as in traditional football in either opponents third excluding the centre triangle
Starting Play (Kicking off each third)
At the beginning of each third two teams must kick-off. Each third has a team which does not kick-off, and this shall rotate each third.
Discrepancy A. Kicking Off (To be dicussed by F3FA members).
To be decided from:
- To commence each third 2 goalkeepers kick off by taking a goal kick within three seconds of the whistle going.
- Play is commenced by 2 teams kicking off from within the centre circle, and within their own third. Only two players are allowed within the centre circle to kick off.
- Other, as yet unknown reccomendation
Free Kicks
(In addition to the 20 second rule.)
If a team commits an offence directly affecting an opponent (eg. foul, off-side), the impeded team takes a free-kick. The opposing team must retreat 10 yards from the ball. The neutral team is immune from this rule.
If a player from the offending team is concentrating on ball two and
unaware of the need to retreat the referee will inform him.
If a team commits an offence that affects opposing teams equally (eg. handball, diving etc), the last opposing team to touch that ball takes the free-kick.
Goal Kicks / Corner Kicks / Throw-Ins
(In addition to the 20 second rule.)
If the ball goes out of play (off the pitch), play is resumed as in traditional football.
If the ball is put out by an attacking team, the team defending the third resumes play (goal kick or throw-in).
If the ball is put out by a team in their own third a throw-in or corner will be taken by an opposing team either...
Discrepancy B. Corners and Attacking Throw-Ins To be discussed by F3FA members
To be decided from:
- Team from the third adjacent to that touchline re-commences play
- Last attacking team to touch ball recommences play
- Other, as yet unknown reccommendation
4. Competition Guidelines
These are guidelines, meaning each specific competition may differ. Please check with regards to your 3fa for more information
League Tournament
The structure of home/away/away games is very complex and should be considered by 3fas when organising a league.
Due to the current low availability of 3team pitches, it is possible to have all games on neutral grounds and overcome this complexity as the sport rises in popularity and stature.
Points would typically be awarded 3points for a win, 0 points for the two losers. In a 2-draw situation 2 points to be awarded to the two drawees, 0points to the loser. In
a 3-draw situation, 1 point each would be awarded. Due to the complexity of the game, goals for/conceeded should not contribute to league standings.
