ThunderDome Official Rulebook
Welcome to ThunderDome!
FAST. FIERCE. FUN.
More Touches. More Decisions. More Fun.
ThunderDome 3v3 is designed to create a fast-paced, exciting soccer experience where every player is constantly involved in the game. The unique ThunderDome Arena keeps the ball in play, encourages creativity, and rewards teamwork.
Our goal is simple:
Competitive soccer in a fun, positive environment where players make the decisions.
Tournament Format
- 3 vs. 3 (No Goalkeepers)
- 15-minute running clock
- Minimum of four guaranteed games
- No ties
- 1v1 Golden Goal determines all tied games
Team Rosters
- Minimum roster: 4 players
- Maximum roster: 5 players
- Players may only compete for ONE team during the tournament.
- Jersey numbers must match the official tournament roster.
Adult Supervisor
Each team must have one adult supervisor.
This may be:
- Coach
- Parent
- Team Manager
- Approved Adult
Only one adult is permitted on the team sideline.
The supervisor is responsible for:
- Substitutions
- Helping players reach the correct field
- Minor injuries
- Communication with tournament staff
ThunderDome encourages players to make their own decisions.
Less coaching = More player development.
Starting Play
Games begin with a kickoff at midfield.
- Ball must be played backward.
- The kicking team cannot score until the ball has crossed midfield.
- Defending team begins at its own goal line.
Following every goal, play restarts using the same kickoff procedure.
Scoring
Goals may only be scored after the ball has crossed midfield.
Intentional shots taken from a team’s defensive half do not count as goals.
Goal Arc
No player may touch the ball inside the goal arc.
Defender touches ball inside arc
Penalty Shot
Attacker touches ball inside arc
Goal Kick
Out of Bounds
The ThunderDome Arena is designed to keep the ball in play.
If the ball leaves the arena in the attacking half off the defense:
Indirect free kick from midfield.
If the ball leaves the arena in the attacking half off the offense:
Goal Kick for defensive team. Other team must retreat to own half.
If the ball leaves due to a defensive foul:
Penalty Shot.
Penalty Shot
Penalty Shots are taken:
- From midfield
- One player only
- Open goal
- One touch only
- No rebound
All other players must remain behind midfield until the shot is completed.
Substitutions
Unlimited substitutions are permitted.
Substitutions must occur:
- On the fly
- From the designated substitution area
- Without interfering with active play
The player leaving the field must be completely off the playing surface before the substitute enters.
Players may not enter the field to gain an advantage during an active play.
Violation may result in possession being awarded to the opposing team or another penalty at the referee’s discretion.
Fouls
Minor Fouls
Major Fouls
Examples include:
- Dangerous play
- Handball preventing an attacking opportunity
- Illegal slide tackle with contact
- Serious pushing or charging
Offensive fouls result in an indirect free kick for the defending team.
Slide Tackling
Slide tackling is prohibited.
No contact:
Indirect Free Kick
Contact or dangerous tackle:
Penalty Shot
Possible Sin Bin
Sin Bin
Players committing serious misconduct may receive a 2-minute Sin Bin penalty.
Examples include:
- Reckless play
- Dangerous tackles
- Violent conduct
- Unsporting behavior
- Intentional delay of game
- Repeatedly kicking the ball out to waste time
- Dissent toward officials
The penalized team plays short for the full two minutes.
Golden Goal
Games ending in a tie immediately move to the ThunderDome 1v1 Golden Goal.
- Each team selects one player.
- Play continues until one player scores.
- First goal wins.
- Winning goal is added to the final score.
Example:
4-4 becomes 5-4.
Referees
The referee has full authority over each match.
All decisions regarding:
- Rule interpretations
- Fouls
- Goals
- Penalties
- Match conduct
are final.
Spectators
Parents and spectators must remain in designated spectator areas.
No parents or spectators are permitted on the playing surface.
Only one adult supervisor is permitted on each team sideline.
Abusive language or behavior toward players, officials or spectators will not be tolerated.
Individuals may be removed from the facility and teams may be disqualified without refund.
Sportsmanship
ThunderDome exists to create an exciting environment where players compete hard while respecting teammates, opponents, officials and the game.
Remember…
LET THE KIDS PLAY.
