World Lacrosse has introduced the name, brand identity and first phase of technical resources for the new 6 v 6 discipline that has been developed through a comprehensive consultation, trial and refinement process involving players, coaches, officials and leaders of lacrosse around the world.
The new discipline of lacrosse will be formally known as World Lacrosse Sixes. On a more conversational or familiar basis, the new discipline will be referred to as Sixes.
The Sixes format of the sport is being promoted as the proposed Olympic game and will be played at the 2022 World Games event in addition to being the format of the UK’s newest national event, The Fly.
Development of World Lacrosse Sixes
As part of the Strategic Plan approved by the World Lacrosse General Assembly in 2018, a Working Group was appointed to explore the development of a new discipline that would be complementary to the existing field and box disciplines while positioning World Lacrosse and its member-National Governing Bodies and Continental Federations to achieve the following objectives:
• Support and encourage the continued growth of lacrosse worldwide
• Provide greater access to lacrosse by eliminating barriers to entry (eg: cost, team size, field size)
• Appeal to the next generation of sport participants and fans with a discipline that features tempo, speed, scoring and less specialisation
• Over time, create greater competitive balance internationally by bringing more nations within reach of the podium at major international events
• And, fit within the 21st Century Olympic framework, where the International Olympic Committee and Host Cities are working to reduce the cost and complexity of staging the Olympic Games
The World Lacrosse Sixes brand identity has been developed to capture and convey the essence of the new discipline:
• A modern interpretation of a game built upon time-honoured traditions and values
• A universally accessible discipline of the game that is unbound by borders
• An exhilarating, action-packed offering designed to appeal to 21st Century sport participants and fans with tempo, speed, scoring and less specialisation
What Makes World Lacrosse Sixes Different
Among the major differences players will find in World Lacrosse Sixes are:
• :30 second shot clock
• Games are played in 4, 8-minute quarters
• Goalies initiate play after goals are scored; draws / face-offs occur only at the start of each quarter
• Field size is 70×36 meters
• Flow of the game emphasises tempo, with fewer stoppages in play
• Everyone plays both sides of the field (defense/offense); substitutions are made on the fly
• Rosters are comprised of 12 players, which leads to more playing time and more touches on the ball
• In the women’s game, defensive players cannot be penalised for entering the shooting lane of an offensive player; offensive players will be penalised for taking a shot without regard for other players.
World Lacrosse Offers Technical Resources
Among the technical resources being introduced today by World Lacrosse for players, coaches, officials and administrators are:
• World Lacrosse Sixes Official Playing Rules
• In-person coaching clinics delivered alongside Sixes events
• Introductory e-learning course for officials
• Introductory e-learning course for players and coaches
These resources have been designed to ensure participants feel confident taking the field. The World Lacrosse Sixes webpage (www.worldlacrosse.sport/sixes) features materials designed for players who are new to the game of lacrosse, as well as for participants who have experience playing the field or box versions of the game.