Tag rugby rules as defined by Dragon sportsRule 1- Method of scoring A try is worth one point. To score a try a player must carry the ball over the opponents' goal line and press the ball down on the ground. After a try is scored the game restarts from the centre of the field with a free pass by the non-scoring team. Rule 2- Passing No forward passes are allowed and will be penalized by a free pass being awarded to the non-offending team at the place the ball left the player's hands. Rule 3 -The 'Tackle' (Tag) Only the player with the ball can be tagged and a tag is simply the removal by a defender of one of the two ribbons from the ball carrier. Ball carriers can run or dodge potential taggers but cannot fend them off, spin around or guard or shield their ribbons in any way. This includes using the ball to fend away defenders. The defender then holds the ribbon above their head and shouts 'tag' for all to hear. Defenders must back off at least one metre from the ball carrier, allowing space for them to pass. They are not allowed to snatch the ball from the player's hand. Once tagged, the player in possession of the ball must attempt to stop as soon as possible and pass the ball within 3 seconds of being tagged (real beginners could be given longer). Even at full pace, the ball carrier will be expected to stop in 3 strides. After a tag has been made, both the ball carrier and the defender are momentarily out of the game. The defender can take no further part until they have handed back the ribbon to the attacker (not thrown it on the floor) and the attacker no further part, until they have replaced their ribbon back on their belt.
Note: The defender hands back the ribbon only after the attacker has passed the ball. This action simulates the time taken up by defenders when tackling in full contact rugby and stops defenders being unrealistically active as can happen in traditional games of touch rugby. Rule 4 - The Free Pass A free pass is used to start the game (from the centre of the field) or to restart it at the place where the ball went out of play or an infringement took place. The player making the free pass must start play with a pass, they are not allowed to run with it themselves. The opposition cannot start moving forward until the player has actually passed the ball. At a free pass, the opposition must be 7 metres (7 large steps) back. More experienced players may prefer 10 metres. Rule 5- Ball out of play If the ball or ball carrier goes out of play a free pass is given to the other team from the sideline. These are the five basic rules of Tag Rugby. Youngsters who understand these can play a simple version of the game. As players gain in experience, and their skill levels and understanding of the game develop, the following rules can be gradually introduced at the discretion of the teacher or coach. Further rules for beginners A. Knock-ons A knock-on occurs when the player attempting to catch the ball fumbles it and knocks it forward to the ground in the direction of the opponents' goal. B. Off-side This rule can be introduced at an early stage to allow some flow to the game and develop good habits for the future. Off-side only occurs immediately after a tag has been made and only those defenders, who interfere with the game, should be penalized. In simple terms, once a tag has been made all defenders should make an effort to get back on their side of the ball and not deliberately stand in an off-side position, blocking the pass or waiting for an interception. Off-side is penalized by awarding a free pass to the non-offending team. Once the pass has been made and play continues there is no off-side in the game until the next ball carrier is tagged. C. The Advantage rule As players become familiar with the rules, teachers and coaches should be encouraged to introduce the 'advantage' rule to create quick reactions and fewer stoppages in the game. The advantage rule states that if an infringement has occurred, the referee should not whistle immediately but wait to see if the opposition gain a territorial or tactical advantage from it. If they clearly do, then play should be allowed to continue. However, if the non-offending team does not in fact gain an advantage, the referee shall whistle and bring play back to the place of the original infringement and award a free pass to the non-offending team. D. Number of Tags ('tackles') It is suggested with real beginners that there are no set number of tags. However, once skill levels have developed, the team in possession of the ball could be given a set number of consecutive tags to score a try. This rewards good defence and encourages players to pass to support players before being tagged. Failure to score after this set number of tags results in a 'turnover', with the opposition gaining a free pass at the place the last tag took place. Experience has shown that 4 or 5 consecutive 'tags' is a good number for young players to use; more able players could be given less. Things to avoid
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