THUNDERDOME 3v3
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do teams need matching uniforms?
Yes.
All players must wear matching jerseys or shirts so referees can easily identify teammates.
- Every player must have a unique jersey number.
- Jersey numbers must match the numbers submitted on the team’s official tournament roster.
- Goalkeepers are not used in ThunderDome 3v3.
Get Creative!
We encourage teams to have fun with their uniforms. Teams are welcome to design custom jerseys or wear something different from their regular club uniforms.
🏆 A “Best Uniform Award” will be presented to the team with the most creative and original uniforms, as selected by the ThunderDome Tournament Committee.
Do all players have to play for the same soccer club or school?
No.
One of the unique features of ThunderDome is the opportunity for players to form teams with friends.
Teams may include players from:
- Different soccer clubs
- Different schools
- Recreational teams
- Travel teams
- Neighborhood friends
- Family members (if age eligible)
Players simply need to meet the age requirements for the division in which they are competing.
Can a player play on more than one team?
No.
Each player may be rostered on only one team during the tournament.
Players may not play for multiple teams, even if they are age-eligible to compete in another division.
This policy helps ensure fair competition, accurate scheduling, and consistent tournament records.
How are divisions determined?
Teams are placed into divisions based on the age group selected during registration.
Whenever possible, boys’ and girls’ divisions will compete separately.
If registration numbers require it, ThunderDome reserves the right to combine boys’ and girls’ divisions within the same age group to provide the best possible tournament experience.
How is a player’s age determined?
A player’s eligibility is based on their age on the day of the tournament (August 1).
Players compete in the division that matches their age on August 1, regardless of what team or league they currently play for.
Examples:
- A player who is 10 years old on August 1 is eligible for the 10 & Under division.
- A player who turns 11 on August 1 must compete in the 12 & Under division.
Using the tournament date as the age cutoff keeps registration simple and ensures every player’s eligibility is determined the same way.
How many players can be on a roster?
- Minimum roster: 4 players
- Maximum roster: 5 players
- Three players compete on the field at one time.
How many games is each team guaranteed?
Every team is guaranteed a minimum of four games.
Additional games may be played depending on the tournament format and advancement.
Does every team need a coach?
No.
Each team is required to have one responsible adult present throughout the tournament.
This may be:
- A coach
- A parent
- A team manager
- Another approved adult supervisor
Only one adult is permitted on the team sideline during games.
The adult’s responsibilities include:
- Helping players arrive at the correct field on time.
- Assisting with substitutions.
- Helping with minor injuries or player needs.
- Serving as the team’s primary contact with tournament staff.
No soccer experience is required.
ThunderDome is designed to encourage players to think, communicate, and solve problems on their own.
For that reason, we ask adults to keep coaching to a minimum. The less instruction from the sideline, the more opportunities players have to develop confidence, creativity, communication, and decision-making skills.
Our philosophy is simple:
LET THE KIDS PLAY.
Can games end in a tie?
No.
Every ThunderDome game has a winner.
If a game is tied at the end of regulation, it immediately moves to a 1v1 Golden Goal Tiebreaker.
- Each team selects one player to represent them.
- Play continues until one player scores.
- The first goal wins the game.
- The winning goal is added to the team’s final score.
Example:
If regulation ends 4-4, the winner of the 1v1 Golden Goal receives a 5-4 victory.
Are the referee’s decisions final?
Yes.
The referee has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game and the ThunderDome Tournament Rules.
All decisions regarding play, rule interpretations, player conduct, and match outcomes are final.
Players, coaches, parents, and spectators are expected to treat all referees with respect at all times.
What makes ThunderDome different?
ThunderDome is built around one simple philosophy:
- More touches.
- More decisions.
- More involvement.
- More fun.
With fewer players on the field, every player becomes part of the action. Players develop confidence, creativity, communication, and decision-making while competing in a fast-paced, exciting tournament environment.
FAST. FIERCE. FUN.
More Touches. More Decisions. More Fun.