THE 3X3 COMMUNITY’S VIEWS ON THE CURRENT RULES OF THE GAME

Abstract

3x3 basketball has developed rapidly during the last decade and has become an established competitive discipline with a clearly defined international structure and regulatory framework. Although it shares its technical foundations with traditional 5x5 basketball, the specific rules of 3x3 create a different competitive environment characterized by a faster rhythm of play, shorter offensive possessions, frequent transitions, limited playing space, and a high frequency of decision making. These characteristics determine the physical, technical, and tactical demands of the game and contribute to the distinctive identity of the discipline.
The present study examines the attitudes of the 3x3 basketball community toward the current FIBA rules and the way different groups involved in the sport perceive their effectiveness and suitability. Particular attention is directed toward key regulatory components, including game duration, the 12 second shot clock, the overtime format, the foul system, sanctions for technical and unsportsmanlike fouls, and the balance between offensive and defensive play. The study also considers attitudes toward possible future rule changes and their potential influence on the specific character of 3x3 basketball in comparison with the traditional 5x5 format. A mixed quantitative qualitative survey design was applied. The research instrument consisted of 14 questions organized into four main sections: demographic and professional characteristics, evaluation of key regulatory elements, priorities for possible rule modification, and open ended proposals for optimisation. The questionnaire included five point Likert scale items, nominal response questions, and open ended questions. A total of 93 valid responses were included in the analysis, representing players, coaches, referees, experts, teachers, and other participants directly connected with 3x3 basketball at amateur and professional levels. The results indicate an overall positive attitude toward the current rules. The overtime format received the lowest evaluation and was most frequently identified as the specific rule requiring reconsideration, while referees placed greater emphasis on the foul system. Overall, respondents favoured preserving the main characteristics of the current 3x3 game model. The findings therefore point to the reconsideration of specific regulatory elements rather than to substantial changes to the established rules