Other ways to play
Box, Sixes & Club Lacrosse
Box, sixes and college club lacrosse, explained for recruits. Rules checked Oct 26, 2026. Rules change, so confirm details on the linked sources and with each school's compliance office. This is general guidance, not legal or eligibility advice.
Field, box and sixes
- Field lacrosse is the college varsity game.
- Box (indoor) lacrosse is played in a rink enclosed by boards, six players a side (five runners and a goalie), under its own rules.
- Sixes is a smaller, faster version created in 2018. It will be the lacrosse discipline at the LA28 Olympics.
- Box can sharpen stick skills and decision-making, but NCAA varsity teams play field lacrosse. Send coaches field film.
Club lacrosse in college (not varsity)
- MCLA (Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association): non-varsity men's teams with their own eligibility rules and national championships.
- NCLL (National College Lacrosse League): one of the largest men's collegiate club leagues.
- WCLA (Women's Collegiate Lacrosse Associates): USA Lacrosse's women's club division, with D-I and D-II and a national championship.
- Club teams don't give athletic scholarships through the NCAA, NAIA or NJCAA. Ask each club about tryouts and costs.
Why it matters
If varsity doesn't work out, club lacrosse at a school you love is a real option. Our directory lists varsity programs only.