Golaco 3x3 Arena Cup
Official Tournament Rules
Tournament Format
    • Teams consist of 3 players on the field with up to 3 substitutes (maximum roster of 6 players).
    • All games are played in the Golaco 3x3 Arena, designed to keep the ball in play longer, creating more touches, faster decisions, and nonstop action.
Match Duration
    • Each game consists of one 15-minute period with no halftime.
    • The clock runs continuously. Play will only stop for injuries or at the referee's discretion.
Points System
    • Win: 3 points
    • Tie: 1 point
    • Loss: 0 points
Tiebreakers
If two or more teams finish with the same number of points, standings will be determined in the following order:
    1. Total Points
    2. Head-to-Head Result
    3. Goal Differential
    4. Goals Scored
    5. Fewest Goals Allowed
Playoff Format
    • If a playoff game ends in a tie, the winner will be determined by a 1 penalty shootout each team. 
    • Penalty kicks are taken without goalkeepers.
    • Each penalty kick begins on the referee's whistle.
Ball Out of Play
    • If the ball leaves the arena, play restarts with a kick-in from the point where the ball went out.
    • Opponents must give approximately 5 feet of space before play restarts.

After a Goal
    • After scoring, the scoring team must immediately retreat to their own half before defending.
    • The team conceding the goal restarts play on the referee's whistle.
    • All fouls and handballs result in an indirect free kick.
    • Dangerous tackles, pushing, charging, reckless play, or unsporting behavior will be penalized at the referee's discretion.
Goal Scoring Rules
Goals may not be scored directly from:
    • A restart after a goal
    • A kick-in
    • A corner kick
Players may not stand or "camp" within 3 feet of their own goal unless they are actively defending a play.
Denial of an Obvious Goal
    • If a deliberate handball or an obvious foul clearly prevents a goal, the referee may award the goal. This decision is entirely at the referee's discretion.
Substitutions
    • Substitutions are unlimited and may occur at any time during play.
    • Players must enter and exit through the designated substitution area.
    • The entering player may not enter the field until the exiting player has completely left the playing area.
Sportsmanship
    • Respect for teammates, opponents, referees, coaches, and spectators is expected at all times.
    • Unsporting behavior may result in a warning, a Blue Card, a Red Card, time penalties, or dismissal from the tournament.
Blue Card
    • Serious fouls or repeated misconduct may result in a 2-minute Blue Card.
    • The penalized player's team will play short-handed for 2 minutes or 1 goal of opposite team. Once penalty expires and the referee authorizes the player's return.

Red Card
    • Violent conduct, abusive language, fighting, or serious foul play may result in a Red Card.
    • A player receiving a Red Card is ejected from the match.
    • The player's team will play short-handed for 5 minutes.
    • The player will serve a minimum one-game suspension, with additional disciplinary action at the discretion of the Tournament Director.
Referee Decisions
    • All referee decisions are final.
    • The Tournament Director reserves the right to interpret and enforce these rules to ensure fair play, player safety, and the spirit of the competition.