Sixes Lacrosse Rules and Game Format

Governing Rules

All games will follow World Lacrosse Sixes rules, with the specific exemptions and modifications outlined below.

• World Lacrosse rules: http://worldlacrosse.sport/

• World Lacrosse Sixes Rule Book

• Ontario Lacrosse Sixes Rules

• Ontario Lacrosse Sixes Format

The following exemptions and local modifications will apply.

Game Timing and Format

Game Length

• Games will consist of four 8-minute quarters.

• Quarter breaks will be 1 minute.

• Halftime will be 3 minutes.

• Each team will have 1 timeout per game.

Game Clock

• The clock will not stop for foul administration.

• Stop time will only be used during the final 30 seconds of the game when the goal difference is 5 goals or less.

Shot Clock and Clearing

• There will be no 30-second shot clock for U9 Sixes.

• The 10-second count to clear half will apply only to U19 Girls Sixes.

Starting Possession and Alternate Possession

There will be no centre draw to start the game or to begin subsequent quarters.

Starting the Game

The home team will automatically have the choice of:

1. First possession through Alternate Possession (AP), or

2. Choosing the goalie end.

Starting Each Quarter

• Each quarter will begin with the team that currently has Alternate Possession.

• This does not apply in situations where there is a foul carryover.

Elimination Games

• A coin toss will determine the choice of first possession or goalie end in elimination games.

Foul Standards and Enforcement

Officials will apply a strict standard when calling fouls, particularly for:

• Slashing

• Illegal body checking

• Pushing

• Unsportsmanlike conduct

The goal is to maintain player safety and ensure the game is played in the spirit of Sixes lacrosse.

Slashing

Every slash will be called.

Boys Sixes

Stick checks must make contact with the glove or stick.

• Contact anywhere else will be considered a foul.

• Large or excessive stick swings will also be penalized.

Girls Sixes

Stick checks must make contact with the stick.

• Contact anywhere else will be considered a foul.

• This includes contact with the hands while they are on the stick.

• Large or excessive stick swings will also be penalized.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

There will be zero tolerance for abuse or unsportsmanlike conduct in Sixes lacrosse.

First Offence

• Major foul for Unsportsmanlike Conduct (USC).

Second Offence: Continued Behaviour

• Major foul for USC.

• Banishment.

• Incident must be reported on the gamesheet.

Second Offence: Escalated Behaviour

• Expulsion foul for USC.

• Incident must be reported on the gamesheet.

Dangerous Follow-Through and Dangerous Propel

An automatic discipline policy will be provided to all teams and officials before the first day of game play.

This policy will apply to both Boys and Girls Sixes Lacrosse.

10-Goal Post-Goal Press Ban

When a team is leading by 10 or more goals, the team that scores must immediately fall back to its own defensive half.

The defending team must then allow the opposing offence to:

• Cross centre; and

• Have reasonable space to begin its offensive possession.

What This Means

Teams cannot immediately begin pressing as soon as the opposing team crosses centre.

The defending team must allow the offence to establish itself before applying defensive pressure.

Enforcement

If a team does not fall back or does not provide reasonable space:

1. The official will blow the whistle.

2. Possession will be awarded to the offensive team.

3. The play will be given a full reset.

Continued violations may result in a Major Unsportsmanlike Conduct foul against the Head Coach.

Coaching Reminder

If a coach has concerns about the post-goal press ban, officials should politely remind them that the rule is intended to support growing the game and exposing players to a different version of lacrosse.

The focus is on player development, participation and creating a positive Sixes experience for everyone.