How are the New York State Tournaments Run?
March 5, 2014 - After each participating section has determined their champions, games are conducted by NYS to crown State Champions in classes A, B, C and D. For many years the championship venues wer moved around the state. In 2016 bids were taken for a three year period, to supply venues for the semifinal and championships for 2017-2018-2019. Section Five was selected for the Championship and for some of the semifinal games. The most current calendar and information can be found on the BLaxFive.NET site.
Groupings
There are five groups as demonstrated on the map to the left.
- Western: Sections 5 and 6
- Central: Sections 3 and 4
- Lower State: Sections 1 and 2
- Long Island: Sections 8 and 11
- Out bracket: Sections 9 and 10
- There are no teams playing in Section 7
Round 1 - Out bracket Games There are a very few teams playing lacrosse in Sections 9 and 10. As of 2009 Sections 3, 4 and 10 take turns playing in the out bracket round and Sections 1, 2 and 9 take turns playing in the out bracket down state. The Western region (Sections 5 and 6) and the Long Island region will no longer play in the out bracket rounds.
Round 2 - Regional Games Four Regional games for each class will be played in what some call the State Quarterfinals. The Western Regional Championship games are played between Sections 6 and 5.In other parts of the State, Section 3 and 4* will play for the Central Championship and Sections 8 and 11* will play for the Long Island Championship. Sections 2 and Section 1* for the Lower State Championship.* Depending on the year, Section 9 plays for the Lower State Championship if they win in the out bracket games and Section 10 plays for the Central Championship if they win their out bracket games.
Round 3 - Semi Final Games The East/West Championships are played in each class. The Western Regional Champions will play against the Central Champions and crown the Upstate Champions.The Downstate Championships are determined as the Lower State Champions play the Long Island Champions.
Round 4 - New York State Championships The last games crown the New York State Championships for each Class.
