World Lacrosse is developing a new 6v6 discipline ©World Lacrosse

World Lacrosse has approved the initial set of playing rules for the sport's new 6v6 discipline.

The move follows a consultation process which involved athletes, coaches, officials and administrators from across the world.

An extensive trial also took place for the streamlined discipline, which reduces the size of a lacrosse team from 10 to six players.

The rules were agreed upon at World Lacrosse's virtual General Assembly.

"As this is the first set of official playing rules for the new discipline, ample opportunities will remain for further input and continued refinement of the playing rules throughout 2020-21, including at the 2021 World Lacrosse General Assembly," the governing body said.

The rules are due to be available on the World Lacrosse website.

Lacrosse normally features 10 players on each side but a smaller discipline is being developed ©Getty Images
Lacrosse normally features 10 players on each side but a smaller discipline is being developed ©Getty Images

It is hoped that 6v6 World Championships will be held with no restrictions on the number of national teams taking part.

World Lacrosse's Blue Skies Working Group developed the discipline and then turned to the Technical Committee to help create the rules.

The General Assembly also approved the decision to move the 2022 Men's World Championships to 2023, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

This move was first announced in June.

Both the Men's Box World Championship and the Women's Under-19 World Championship will move from 2023 to 2024.