Call Your Own: Self-Officiated 3v3 League

A 3v3 league with no referee where players call and accept their own fouls, as in street basketball. The standings combine game points with a sportsmanship score given by opponents.

How to play

1. Class agreement: what counts as a foul, how to call it ("Foul!") and what happens if there's no agreement: replay the possession from the top (4 min).
2. First round of six-minute games at three hoops (7 min).
3. Second round against a new opponent (7 min).
4. Third round against a new opponent (7 min).
5. Each team rates opponents' sportsmanship from one to three, and it's added to the standings (5 min).

Rules

• The fouled player calls the foul; the player who fouled can also own up.
• Nobody argues more than once: without agreement, replay the possession.
• Sportsmanship scores must be backed by a specific example.
• No intentional contact on defense.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: play with a no-steal-on-the-dribble rule and may ask for teacher mediation at any time.
• Students who struggle with emotional regulation: pair them with a trusted teammate and allow a one-minute break on the sideline.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the foul call comes with a raised hand.

Learning goals

• Apply the rules honestly without a referee.
• Handle disagreements through dialogue.
• Value your own and others' sportsmanship.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketballs: 3
• basketball hoops: 3
• pinnies: 18
• score sheets: 3

Teacher tip

Make the teams yourself so the same students don't always group together. The usual problem is using foul calls as a tactic; if a team calls too many, ask about it in the final review.

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