Section 5: Rules of Play
Game Length
- 4 quarters × 8 minutes of regulation playing time (Rule 5.1.1).
- A two-minute interval between the first and second quarters and between the third and fourth quarters (Rule 5.1.2); a five-minute half-time intermission between the second and third quarters (Rule 5.1.3).
- Teams change direction of play at the end of every quarter, including overtime periods (Rule 5.1.3, "Change of Direction of Play").
Overtime — Updated for 2026-2028
Under Rule 5.1.4, sudden-death golden goal is no longer used. When the score is tied at the end of regulation, play continues with a full three-minute overtime period of stopped time, and the team leading when that period ends is declared the winner — the period is played to completion rather than ending on the first goal. Overtime periods are separated by a two-minute break, and if the score remains tied after the first overtime period, additional three-minute periods (each preceded by a two-minute break) are played until a winner is decided.
Starting Play
- Each quarter and overtime period begins with a draw at the center of the field (Rule 6.4.1), with draw positioning and procedure differing by discipline (Rules 6.4.2W/6.4.3W for Women's, 6.4.2M/6.4.3M for Men's).
- Initial offensive/defensive zone assignment is determined by a pre-game coin toss called by the Visiting Team Captain (Rule 6.1.4).
Possession, Shot Clock & Pace
- Upon a team gaining possession, a 30-second shot clock begins; if it expires without a shot on goal, possession is awarded to the defensive team (Rule 5.3.1).
- A team gaining possession in its defensive half must advance the ball across the center-line within a 10-second count (Rule 6.9.1).
- Each team is limited to one timeout per half, of 60 seconds duration (Rule 6.10.4–6.10.5) — a new time-management provision under the 2026-2028 rules.
Movement & Substitution
- Substitution may take place at any time through the Substitution Area, with Players permitted to substitute on the fly (Rule 6.13.1).
- Body-checking of an opponent in any form is illegal under Rule 8.3.1 — Sixes is designed around stick skills and loose-ball play rather than body contact, subject only to incidental contact of equal pressure between opposing Players.