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 rules
The core format comes from Sixes. Read the Boys and Girls rule sheets for the complete local procedures.
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.
The league uses a 30-second shot clock, kept by the table or official when no display is available.
Tell your playerWhen you get the ball: look, move, pass, or go to goal.
No body checking in any division. Classes 2036–2035 have no stick checking; older divisions use controlled, age-appropriate checks.
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. Read the published division rule sheets before the first game.
Tell players to use their feet, stay in control, and listen whenever the whistle stops play.
The Boys and Girls rule sheets set the contact, checking, equipment, and penalty standards for every age group.
Division rule sheets
Our Boys and Girls sheets adapt USA Lacrosse Sixes and youth rules for grades 3–6. They cover the game clock, shot clock, contact, equipment, substitutions, and penalties.