When does a goal count in lacrosse sixes?
B · Beginner · The game · 4 of 4A goal is scored when the whole ball passes through the plane of the goal. Each goal counts one. It is disallowed if the shot left the stick after the shot clock or the quarter ended, if an attacker was in the crease or interfered with the goalkeeper, or if the scorer's stick turns out to be illegal.
How it works
- The line: the ball must completely pass through the plane of the goal, "whether loose or not".
- Any way in: it may be thrown, kicked or deflected. It does not have to be a shot.
- The scorer: the last attacker who gave the ball the force to go in.
- Own goal: counts for the attacking team and is credited to its In-Home.
- Too late: no goal if the ball left the stick after the period ended or the shot clock expired.
- After a whistle: no goal, even if the whistle was a mistake.
- In the crease: no goal if an attacker is in the crease or interferes with the goalkeeper there.
- Any attacking foul: a violation by an attacker before the ball enters the goal cancels it.
- Too many players: no goal if the scoring team has more players on the field than it should.
- The stick: no goal if the shooter's stick breaks during the shot or is found illegal before play resumes.
- The goalkeeper upfield: no goal while the scoring team's goalkeeper is in its offensive zone.
The glossary has the goal (scoring) entry, the shot on goal, the goal crease, the crease restrictions, the in-home and the goalkeeper.
Tricky cases
A shot deflects in off a defender's stick. Whose goal is it?
The shooter's, if the shot gave the ball the force to go in. If the defender provided the force, it is an own goal credited to the attacking team's In-Home.
The ball is in the air when the quarter ends and then goes in. Goal?
Yes, if it left the stick before time expired. The release is what counts.
An attacker scores and the other coach asks for a stick check, which the stick fails. What happens?
The goal is disallowed. In that case the foul for an illegal stick is not imposed as well.
An attacker's foot is on the crease line as a teammate scores. Goal?
No. An attacker may not be in the opponent's crease while the ball is live in that half, and the line is part of the crease.
Why the rule exists
Requiring the whole ball over the line gives one clear test for a ball travelling at high speed. Most of the reasons for disallowing a goal protect the goalkeeper, who stands a few metres from shots and needs the crease kept clear.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ball released before the clock expires | Goal stands | WL Sixes Rule 5.3.1; 6.6.3 |
| Goal during a slow whistle for a minor foul | Goal stands and the penalty is not served | WL Sixes Rule 9.2.2 |
| Goal during a slow whistle for a major foul | Goal stands and the penalty is served | WL Sixes Rule 9.2.2 |
| Stick check requested and the stick is legal | Major foul against the team that asked | WL Sixes Rule 2.3.1 |
From the rule book
World Lacrosse, 2026-2028 Sixes Lacrosse Official Playing Rules (version 2.0, May 2026), Rules 2.3, 6.6, 6.16 and 9.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Lacrosse Sixes Rule Book 2026-2028 (PDF).