Sixes Lacrosse League

Purpose: Grow the Game — and Your Program

Our goal is simple: help lacrosse grow by giving more students a chance to play and develop.

This league offers a low-pressure, high-fun format designed to:

Keep more athletes engaged, even if they aren't varsity-ready yet
Give developing players game-speed experience
Provide coaches a place to direct players who need reps but not a full C-team commitment
Build a lifelong connection to the sport

This isn't just about participation — it's about player development, program retention, and community growth.

Why Sixes?

The Sixes format is fast, simple, and exciting. It uses a smaller field, fewer players, and a quicker pace to emphasize stick skills, movement, and teamwork.

Six players per side (including goalie)
Continuous play with simplified rules for safety
Ideal for both developing and experienced athletes
Already popular across St. Louis youth, middle school, and adult programs

League Overview

Format: Two divisions

Development Division: For players with < 2 seasons of experience
Open Division: For any skill level (ideal for upperclassmen not getting varsity minutes)
- Players will be evaluated during games and if they are observed to be a significantly higher skill level will be placed onto an open team.

Schedule:

"Show up and play" model — players RSVP weekly to secure a spot
Teams are created on site to balance rosters and maximize inclusivity
Games played back-to-back on one field divided into two Sixes setups (cones and four goals)

Game Details:

4 × 8-minute quarters, 2-minute breaks, 5-minute halftime
30-second shot clock on Open field
Officiated by certified MSLA officials or qualified coaches
Uniform: pinnie provided through entry fee (~ $20)

Program Benefits

Fewer cuts, more opportunities: give every player a place to play
C-team support: supplement limited-roster programs without overextending staff
Skill development: more touches, more reps, more confidence
Retention: keep upperclassmen and new athletes invested
Community: cross-program collaboration strengthens the region's lacrosse culture

This league complements — not replaces — traditional spring schedules. Schools can still run 12-v-12 C-teams while using Sixes for off-day games, jamborees, or supplemental play.