Halo LAX’s Director of Events, Joel Franklin joined Erin Smith and Lauren Davenport of US Lacrosse and World Lacrosse’s TJ Buchanan Saturday in an all-star panel at the LaxCon digital conference presented by US Lacrosse. Together, they shared their expertise and outlook on the small-sided movement of 6-v-6 lacrosse. As a compliment to traditional lacrosse play, 6onLAX (by Halo LAX) and Flex6 (of US Lacrosse) formats feature less players, a smaller field, and a faster-paced game style. Each participating panelist and organization shared their perspective on the potential for this short-sided game to have long-lasting positive effects for the growing sport of Lacrosse.
“The 6v6 discipline is an incredible tool for global growth of the sport,” said TJ Buchanan, Director of Sport Development at World Lacrosse. “The reduced roster sizes, smaller field of play, unified field markings, and the simplified and harmonized rule sets make it easier than ever before for both new and existing countries to grow participation.”
World Lacrosse, the international federation for men’s and women’s lacrosse, serves a mission to develop lacrosse throughout the world to positively impact the lives of its participants and communities. The organization is comprised of nearly 70 National Governing Body members and holds five World Championships. World Lacrosse holds the vision for lacrosse to become an official Olympic sport in 2028. A vision that is shared by Halo LAX and US Lacrosse alike.
“US Lacrosse is excited about small-sided play through our Flex6 community-based program to introduce new players to the sport in a highly accessible and affordable way, and also encourage lifelong participation in the sport true to our athlete development model and organization’s mission. We believe the insights shared at LaxCon through this session with Halo LAX and World Lacrosse will increase participation in the sport,” said Erin Smith, Senior Director of Sport Development at US Lacrosse.
US Lacrosse, the National Governing Body for the sport, hosts the LaxCon conference annually and features coach development workshops, courses for officials, training and skill development sessions, networking opportunities, and industry-leading topics like the 6-v-6 format.
Joel Franklin, Event Manager for Halo LAX said, “The opportunity to collaborate with US Lacrosse and World Lacrosse to bring the 6onLAX style game to the national stage at LaxCon is an honor. As we launch into the 2021 events season, 6onLAX is one of the most important tools we have to grow the sport and reach new participants. By making the game smaller, we can make the sport bigger.”
Halo LAX launched in 2020 as the first events brand of the Sports Facilities Companies with a mission to grow the sport of lacrosse and provide exceptional events. Now in its first full season, Halo LAX is slated to host events across the country at venues such as Iron Peak Sports and Events in Hillsborough, NJ and Grand Park Sports Campus of Westfield, IN. Registration for 6onLAX events by Halo LAX is now open for the 2021 season. To register or learn more about becoming a host site for a Halo LAX event, visit www.halolax.com
About The Sports Facilities Companies
The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) is the nation’s leading resource for the planning, development, and management of sports, recreation, golf, ice, aquatics, fitness, wellness, and events facilities. SFC helps community leaders and developers create places that bring people together, improve quality of life, and deliver measurable, lasting results. As a turnkey partner, SFC supports projects from early planning, feasibility, and program development through professional facility management and high-performing operations.
SFC’s integrated platform includes the Power Wellness and Spirit Golf Management brands, expanding its ability to serve communities across recreation, health, wellness, and outdoor assets. With more than 140 venues and approximately 7,000 team members across its network, SFC welcomes nearly 30 million guest visits and generates more than $1 billion in annual economic impact each year. To learn more, visit sportsfacilities.com and thesfnetwork.com.
