Ontario Lacrosse Launches New Sixes Sector For Fall 2024
Photo: Ontario Lacrosse
The Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) is excited to announce the launch of its new Sixes sector, a dynamic format of lacrosse designed to enhance the sport's development and competitive scope across the province. Introduced by World Lacrosse in 2018, Sixes is a fast-paced, compact version of traditional lacrosse that merges the most thrilling aspects of the game. This format aims to accelerate the global growth of lacrosse, improve accessibility and approachability, ensure a more competitive balance, and reduce the costs and complexities involved in participation and event organization. As the focal point of lacrosse's integration into the Olympic Games, Sixes embodies the sport's future on the global stage.
Ontario Lacrosse Sixes will commence with a phased introduction starting in the fall of 2024, offering opportunities for boys and girls in multiple age divisions. For the 2024 season, the program will feature divisions for U9, U11, and U13 for boys, and U9, U11, U13, U15, and U17 for girls. The Ontario Minor Field Lacrosse League (OMFLL) will offer its traditional 10v10 fall field lacrosse season for the U15 and U17 age groups. The inaugural Sixes season will kick off on September 15, 2024, and span four weeks, crowning the first Sixes Provincial Champions on the Saturday and Sunday of the Thanksgiving weekend (Oct 12-13, Location TBA).
Ontario Lacrosse is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Debrone as the Sixes Provincial Lead. Debrone, a former commissioner of the OMFLL, brings a wealth of experience to this position. With a proven track record, including spearheading a successful Sixes program in Owen Sound in 2023 and sharing his expertise at the 2024 OLA Semi-Annual General Meeting, Debrone is uniquely qualified to guide this initiative. His leadership is expected to drive the program’s accessibility across the province.
“By allowing teams the flexibility to make their own schedules to qualify for Provincials, we're opening up more opportunities for participation,” said Debrone. “I’m excited to see how this new version of lacrosse is going to complement the growth of the sport in Ontario. I believe it has incredible potential to extend our reach and increase interest in lacrosse for boys and girls alike.”
To support the provincial rollout of the Sixes sector, Debrone has assembled a dynamic team to lead each region in Ontario. This regional leadership team will be pivotal in implementing the Sixes program across the province, ensuring localized support.
Competitions will be organized within existing OLA Zones, maintaining a structure similar to minor box lacrosse, which allows for a seamless integration of this new format. To accommodate diverse competition and scheduling needs, associations can utilize single-game, multi-game, inter-zone, and tournament formats to maximize gameplay opportunities. Each team can roster a maximum of 12 players, including a goalie, and associations are encouraged to enter multiple teams across any age division.
In an affort to promote the new Sixes sector and facilitate the transition, the OLA will subsidize the provincial administration costs for the 2024 Sixes season. This comprehensive subsidy includes waiving the OLA Admin Fee, Team Entry Fees, and Lacrosse Canada Participant Fees, as well as fees associated with GameSheet Inc. These subsidies are aimed at lowering the barriers for new and existing teams, encouraging widespread participation across the province.
OLA residency rules apply to all player registrations. Existing OLA players interested in joining the Sixes sector should contact their home association for more information and opportunities. New players are encouraged to visit playlacrosse.com. Our interactive map will help you find a lacrosse club in your area.
For more information, including more information for clubs, visit the Sixes FAQs.
