Hong Kong and China adopt new ‘sixes’ lacrosse format as sport seeks place at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
- Coaches from two associations say new kind of ‘specialist’ sixes player may emerge, with new format potentially helping smaller countries challenge established powers
- The 6v6 format is third lacrosse code after full-field 10s and indoor box lacrosse, with Hong Kong and China among first to hold organised sixes leagues
Hong Kong and China are keen to play their part in World Lacrosse’s quest to earn a place in the Olympics by embracing the new 6v6 format – a faster and more open form of the game that could see the emergence of countries outside the traditional powers.
The two governing bodies have been playing 6v6 leagues over the past few weeks, with World Lacrosse hoping that the new code would enhance its chances of being accepted by the International Olympic Committee as a medal sport for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. China’s Spring Sixes,which started in late March, is one of the first nationwide leagues to adopt the sixes format.
“Sixes is a different set of rules to what we have in the past and we wanted to get on board early,” said Hong Kong lacrosse coach Chad Fairfoull. “We spent the last month training for sixes and then we held a sixes tournament this past weekend with all of our players in Hong Kong.”
The 6v6 is a new version – after full-field 10s and indoor box lacrosse. The smaller field and fewer players means higher scoring and a more uniform type of player who is fast and adept at defence and attack.
The rules for sixes were ratified in 2020, creating a brand new format for the ancient sport that is aimed at attracting more players and fans to the game, and potentially opening the way to Olympic inclusion. Lacrosse was played at the Olympics in London in 1908, when only two teams took part as Canada defeated Great Britain for the gold.
The Hong Kong tournament featured 10 men’s teams (four in division one, six in division two) and eight women’s teams (four division one, four division two) and Fairfoull hailed it as a success. Apart from giving players a rare taste of competition during Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, the coaches, including women’s head coach Jenifer Marrosu, wanted to learn more about the new format.
