Football 3×3 — Rules and Age Bands

Overview

Football 3×3 is robot football on a compact pitch. Each side is an alliance of three teams, each controlling one remote-controlled robot.

Robots must use a motor-driven kicking mechanism to shoot. Teams win through good robot design, accurate driving and alliance teamwork.

One division; all robot types compete together. Each age category competes separately.

Teams of 2 to 3 members. Individual entries are not accepted.
Each team names one Technician — the only team member allowed in the waiting and competition area. The Technician may change between attempts or matches.
Every team member must be at least 10 years old.
Each team needs a coach aged 20 or over. A coach must bring one assistant for every three teams they register.
One robot per team. Robots may not be swapped during the competition or shared between teams.
An alliance is made of three teams, which the official rules state must belong to the same school or institution.
Each alliance's robots carry a visible shared identifier (flag, label or colours), checked at inspection.

Remote-controlled robot (remote or app). Venue Wi-Fi is not available to teams.
Maximum footprint 20 × 20 cm, weight 700–800 g, height up to 15 cm.
A motor-driven kicking mechanism that stays within 20 × 20 cm when fully extended.
Up to 4 motors and a single controller, plus a start/stop button.
Ball: LEGO Mindstorms ball, 52 mm diameter.
No holding or carrying the ball; banned items include pneumatics, glue, suction and deliberately detachable parts.

A goal counts when the whole ball crosses the goal line.
Group stage: 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss; ties separated by goals scored, then conceded.
1st, 2nd and 3rd place are announced in each age category.

Deliberately trying to damage an opponent results in a red card.
Technicians may not touch robots during play without the referee's permission.
Rule ZERO applies: if you are not sure something is allowed, assume it is not and ask the organisers.

Form an alliance of three teams from your school or institution.
Check robot size, weight (700–800 g) and height; test the kicker at full extension.
Practise driving, passing and shooting with a 52 mm LEGO ball.
Prepare spare parts and batteries for quick repairs between matches.
Agree your alliance identifier (flag or colours).

Awaiting clarification

For MRC Ghana 2027, ages are counted on 19 February 2027, the first day of the competition. The official rules do not set this date themselves, and adjacent bands share boundary ages (for example '10 to 12' and '12+'); the Ghana organising committee will confirm the category for anyone on a boundary age.
The bracket used for the group stage is shown only in images on the official page; the exact format will depend on the number of alliances.

19–20 February 2027 · Accra, Ghana · Venue to be announced