WSPSSA Touch Football Rules 2017
The objective of the game is to score ‘tries’ by placing the ball on or over the score-line before
being touched by opposition players. The ball cannot be bounced or dropped prior to being
placed.
Each team is composed of six (6) players on the field who can interchange at any time with
players on the sideline. Total number of players cannot exceed 12.
Upon gaining possession each team has six (6) touches before they have to surrender
possession to the opposing team.
When a player in possession is touched he must return to the spot where he was touched and
perform a “roll-ball”. This can be performed by:
▪ Placing the ball on the ground and stepping over it or rolling the ball backward between
the legs.
▪ NOTE: If the ball rolls more than a metre a change of possession results
▪ The attacking player has one step after the touch to place the ball or return to the mark of
the touch. If the player takes more than one step and plays the ball he is penalised.
▪ NOTE: If a player falls to the ground, automatic touch is affected when both knees come
into contact with the ground.
▪ FAQ- Question: When a player dives over the tryline to score a try, are the knees
allowed to touch the ground in the act of scoring?
If one knee touches the ground and the ball is grounded on the tryline it is a TRY. If both
knees touch the ground in the act of scoring, it is a NO TRY it is counted as an automatic
touch.
When the ball is rolled the “acting-half” picks it up. The acting half can run with the ball or
pass it or do both.
▪ If the acting half is touched when in possession of the ball a change of possession results.
▪ The acting half cannot score a touchdown – if he places the ball on or over the score-line,
a change of possession results.
Attacking players may pass the ball.
▪ If a player throws a forward pass, a penalty against his team results. The penalty is given
from where the pass was thrown.
▪ Attacking players may not pass the ball after being touched. If this occurs a penalty
against the team results. The penalty is given from where the pass was thrown.
▪ If the ball is dropped, bounced or touches the ground a change of possession results at
the point where the ball first touches the ground.
An attacking player may not use a team mate as a “shepherd” i.e. use a player from his own
team to prevent the touch being made. This incurs a penalty at the place of the interference
Whenever a change of possession occurs a player must perform a roll-ball unless a penalty is
given whereby the player may either tap the ball or perform a roll-ball. The only exception to
this rule is when a defending player intercepts a ball passed by the attacking team. (If the ball
has touched the ground a roll-ball must be performed). For a penalty a tap or roll ball may be
taken.
A team defends by trying to touch the player in possession. After a touch is affected all
defending players must retire to a line Five (5) metres behind the point where the attacking
player was touched. (This line is usually marked by the referee.)
Defending players may not move forward to affect the next touch until the acting half has
touched the ball.
▪ If there is no dummy half present players must wait until directed by the referee to move
forward. A defending player only has to touch the ball if there is no acting-half for a
change of possession
▪ If a player drops the ball and it rebounds to a player on the opposing team who also drops
it the first mistake is always played so it is a hand-over.
Awarding Penalties
Penalties are usually awarded where the breach of rules occurred. The defending team must
retire ten (10) metres and wait until the ball is tapped before advancing upon the
opposition. Penalties should be awarded for the following;
▪ Deliberate forward passes and late passes.
▪ Offside defenders (defenders who fail to retire five metres before trying to affect a touch).
▪ Having more than six players on the field at any one time.
▪ Shepherding and players from either side interfering unnecessarily with opposition
players.
▪ Calling “phantoms” (defending players who claim to have affected a touch when the
referee is certain that they did not). Referees should dismiss players from the field if this
action is repeated.
▪ Dissent or foul play and using more than necessary force to affect a touch.
▪ Not playing the ball on the correct mark.
Length of games
▪ Seniors play 2 x 20 minute halves & Juniors play 2 x 15 minute halves.
▪ Girls Touch play 2 x 15 minute halves.
There is a 5 minute break for half time in each game.
Teams must be on the field ready to commence by 12.30pm
Age groupings
• Juniors are 10 and under in 2016 & Seniors are 11-13 years
NOTE: Juniors may play up ONLY if the senior team is short but will not be able to play in semis
or finals.
The Field
The field will be half a soccer field with markers at the corners for the score-line and at half way.