SIXES TOURNAMENT RULES

RULES OVERVIEW 

All games are governed by US Lacrosse rules, modified for Sixes play, with key exceptions highlighted below. Games played in 2x16 minute running halves on a central horn. There will be 5 field players and 1 goalie. Draws/face-offs occur only at the start of each half; we will be the US Olympics Sixes shortened field dimensions. Goalies initiate play after goals are scored. Goalies cannot cross the midline unless one player is back, all 5 field players play both sides of the field (defense/offense); substitutions made on the fly. Shots out of bounds result in change of possession. There will be a on field 30 second shot clock kept by the officials timer beginning at the start of each possession. Stick checks and body checks will be played in accordance with US Lacrosse rules within a Sixes format.

SCORE AND TIMING

  • Clock Management: Game and penalty time will be tracked at the scoring table.

  • Injury Time:

    • Under 2 Minutes Remaining: Clock stops for injuries.

    • Over 2 Minutes Remaining: Up to 5 minute may be deducted before stopping the clock to assess the injury.

TIMEOUTS

  • Pool and Bracket Play: No timeouts allowed.

PACE OF PLAY

  • Shot Clock: A 30-second shot clock is enforced by officials. Shot clock only resets if shot hits goalie or cage.

OVERTIME RULES

  • Format: Sudden victory—first goal wins.

  • Pool Play & Consolation: One 4-minute overtime period; games end in a tie if no goal is scored.

  • Playoffs: Overtime continues without a time limit until a goal is scored.

FOULS

  • Minor Fouls:

    • Penalty:

      • 30-second time-serving penalty if the offending team does not have possession.

      • Loss of possession if the offending team has the ball (whistle restart at the ball's location).

    • Examples:

      • Interference (stick or body)

      • Pushing

      • Illegal pick

      • Holding

      • Withholding the ball

      • Illegal procedure (e.g., delay of game)

      • Offsides (goalie only)

      • Warding

  • Major Fouls:

    • Penalty: 1-minute time-serving penalty.

    • Examples:

      • Illegal body check

      • Slashing

      • Cross-check

      • Tripping

      • Unnecessary roughness

      • Illegal stick

      • Unsportsmanlike conduct

      • Illegal crease defense

PLAYOFF BRACKETS

  • Teams play three pool games on Saturday.

  • All teams play at least two playoff or consolation games on Sunday.

PLAYOFF SEEDING CRITERIA

  1. Record

  2. Head-to-head results

  3. Goals against

  4. Goals scored

  5. Goal differential (capped at 8)

  6. Coin flip

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

  • Score Challenges: Only head coaches may challenge scores at the main tent by Saturday at 6:30 PM. No calls or emails will be accepted after this deadline.

  • Ejections:

    • Game Ejections: Handled by referees.

    • Tournament Ejections: Handled by the tournament director.

      • Players face a 1-game suspension after 2 unsportsmanlike penalties.

      • Fighting results in a 2-game suspension.

  • Player Eligibility:

    • All players must be rosters and play for only one team unless pre-approved by the event director.

    • Violations may result in forfeits or player ejections.

  • Mercy Rule (2034/35 Division):

    • Enforced for a 5-goal deficit during pool play.

    • The trailing team receives a free clear after each goal.

    • Coaches may mutually agree to waive this rule.