Parent + player guide
A fast, small-sided version of lacrosse tailored for 3rd–6th grade players—and written so families can explain it before the first whistle.
The 20-second parent version
“Sixes is lacrosse with six players per team—five field players and a goalie. Because the teams are smaller, every child gets more chances to pass, cut, defend, and handle the ball. Our youth version keeps the pace fast while making safe positioning and smart decisions the priority.”
That is the whole idea: keep the speed and involvement of Sixes, then teach it at the right pace for elementary and middle-school players.
Our youth Sixes preview
The core format comes from Sixes. The teaching cues help younger players prepare while exact local procedures are finalized.
Five field players and one goalie take the field for each team.
Tell your playerSpread out, find open space, and help your teammates.
Games use four 8-minute running-time quarters with short breaks.
Tell your playerPlay hard in short bursts, then reset for the next quarter.
After a goal, the goalie gets the ball, the other team gives space, and play restarts on the whistle.
Tell your playerCelebrate fast, find your player, and get ready to move again.
International Sixes uses a 30-second shot clock. The youth rulebook will confirm whether grades 3–6 use a clock or a coached keep-it-moving prompt.
Tell your playerWhen you get the ball: look, move, pass, or go to goal.
Body-contact and stick-checking limits will be age- and division-specific. Until the final rules are published, teach feet, positioning, and controlled sticks—not hits.
Tell your playerUse your feet, stay in control, and listen when the whistle blows.
Field players attack, defend, transition, and substitute quickly. Small teams mean every player stays involved.
Tell your playerIf we have the ball, get open. If they have it, get back and help.
One format, two teaching speeds
The core game stays the same. The teaching emphasis and independence grow as players do.
Classes 2036 and 2035
Classes 2034 and 2033
What your player needs to know
Parents and coaches can use the same four cues all season.
Move after every pass and keep finding open space.
Look for a teammate before forcing a difficult play.
Play the ball, protect your stick, and avoid contact.
After a goal or turnover, switch jobs and be ready fast.
Move. Share. Protect. Reset. Then do it again.
What a game feels like
Sixes removes long waits between moments. This is the simple flow a child can expect from quarter to quarter.
Start
Play
Goal
Reset
Safety before speed
Players use the equipment required for their Boys or Girls division, including a mouthguard and properly fitted protective gear. Goalies use full goalie protection. Team coaches will share the final division checklist before the first game.
Tell players to use their feet, stay in control, and listen whenever the whistle stops play.
Contact, stick checking, equipment, and penalties will be confirmed in the final Boys and Girls division sheets before opening week.
The parent version now
World Lacrosse’s international Sixes rules are the starting point. Our guide explains the core six-player flow and gives families teaching language for grades 3–6. The final Boys and Girls rulebook will confirm shot-clock use, checking and contact, field dimensions, roster maximums, division equipment, substitutions, and penalty timing before opening week.