Section 8: Safety Considerations
Lacrosse Sixes is designed with reduced-contact rules relative to traditional men's field lacrosse: Rule 8.3.1 makes body-checking of an opponent illegal in any form, and stick-based contact is tightly regulated through the slashing (Rule 8.3.2), cross-check (Rule 8.3.3), and unnecessary-roughness (Rule 8.3.5) provisions. Equipment mandates differ by discipline — the Men's game requires a helmet with facemask and chinstrap plus protective gloves (Rule 2.4.1M), while the Women's game permits close-fitting gloves and ASTM F3077-rated eye guards (Rule 2.4.1W) — but a properly fitted mouthguard is mandatory for every Player, including the Goalkeeper, in both disciplines (Rule 2.4.2).
Play must be suspended immediately if a Player's required equipment becomes dislodged in a way that compromises safety or increases injury risk (Rule 2.4.4). World Lacrosse requires on-site medical provision (athletic trainer minimum, team physician at international tournaments) and applies its Concussion Management Guidelines — removal-for-evaluation, staged return-to-play, and mandatory rest — consistent with the World Rugby framework. Heat protocols for summer-season events (mandatory water breaks, heat-stop authority) and an on-site AED remain required at all sanctioned tournaments. Weather interruptions, including lightning, are governed by the World Lacrosse Lightning Protocol (Rule 5.4.1), which requires all participants to move indoors at the earliest opportunity.