Section 5: Rules of Play
Game Length
- 4 quarters × 8 minutes running time (35 minutes total including breaks)
- 2-minute breaks between quarters; 5-minute halftime
- OT: golden goal sudden-death (4-minute periods)
Starting Play
- Each quarter begins with a "draw" at center (similar to women's lacrosse) — players from each team contest possession
- After a goal, the conceding team's goalkeeper restarts play
Possession + Shot Clock
- 30-second shot clock — offense must shoot within 30 seconds of gaining possession
- Failure to shoot in time → turnover
- No traditional "stalling" or "keep-away" — shot clock enforces pace
Movement
- No offside rule — players move freely across field
- Goalkeeper may participate in play across the field (within crease for goalie privileges)
- Body contact substantially reduced vs men's field lacrosse — Sixes emphasizes stick checks, not body checks