TOUCH RUGBY RULES
AIM. The Aim of the game of Touch is for each team to score tries and to prevent
the opposition from scoring.
PLAY. The ball may be passed between onside players who can run with the
ball to attempt to gain ground and eventually score.
Defending players stop the attacking team by touching the ball carrier. Play stops
after a ‘touch’ and is restarted with a roll ball. The player to pick up the ball after
a roll ball is called the ‘ Dummy half’
If the ‘Dummy half’ is touched while in possession of the ball then play is handed
over to the opposition team.
If the defending team successfully completes 6 touches in one play it results in a
hand over.
If the ball drops to the ground it results in a hand over.
If a player passes the ball after being touched, this is called a ‘touch & pass’, this
results in a hand over.
SCORING. A try is awarded when an attacking player (prior to being touched)
forces the ball down over the try line. The dummy half is not permitted to score. A
try is worth one (1) point however if a female scores a try it is worth two (2)
points.
Team Composition and Substitution
A team consists of six players - a minimum of two males and two females must
be on the field at all times. Substitutes are allowed. Footwear is to be barefoot or
flat soled shoes - no sprigs allowed but touch rugby shoes are permitted.
Commencement & Recommencement of play
ATTACKING TEAM. The attacking team is to start the game with a tap on the
foot at the center of the halfway line following the indication to commence play
from the Referee. All players of the attacking team are to remain in an on-side
position until the ball has been tapped.
DEFENDING TEAM. Restart after try-All players of the defending team are
required to retire a distance not less than 10m from the mark for the tap.
Defending players may move forward to their positions once the ball has been
tapped with the foot.
Restart after touch-Players of the defending team are not permitted to move
forward of the 5m position until the dummy half has made contact with the ball.
KICKING. The ball cannot be kicked or played with the foot except when taking a
tap or at the roll ball. The dummy half may use the foot to control the ball.