Last Updated on Wednesday 10th March 2010 at 10:59
1. Squads of 12 players, 7 starters and 2 subs
2. Venue: Holywell pitches 1 and 2.
3. Duration of matches is 10 minutes each way.
4. Substitutions may be made when the ball is 'dead' or at half time, but only with the referee's knowledge.
5. Pitches will be made up of 1 half of a normal rugby pitch, with matches being played across the pitch. Cones will mark the half way 'line'.
6. Scoring: a try is awarded 5 points. There are no conversions or kicking in Tag Rugby.
7. Starts/Restarts
A free pass from the centre of the pitch is used to start the match at the beginning of each half, and after a try is scored. It is also used if the ball goes into touch at the sides of the pitch.
For safety reasons, the receiver of the free pass must start running from within 2m of the free pass mark.
Following a try being scored, the team who conceded the try will restart the match.
8. Offences/Infringements
Any infringement results in a free pass being awarded to the opposition.
Infringements include: Offside, forward pass, knock-on, diving on the ball, hand offs, fend offs (stopping defender from grabbing the tag), ANY physical contact or grabbing a players clothing, barging into another player.
A free pass cannot be taken from closer than 7m from the goal line.
Opponents must retreat 7m when defending a free pass.
For safety reasons, the receiver of the free pass must start running from within 2m of the free pass mark.
9. Tagging
A tag is the removal of one of the 2 tags from the ball carriers belt.
Only the ball carrier can be tagged.
The ball cannot be pulled or wrestled from the ball carriers hands.
Attacking player: When the ball carrier is tagged they must attempt to stop as soon as possible (max of 3 steps), and pass within 3 seconds. Players are allowed 1 step after being tagged to score a try (if close enough to the line!).
Defending player: Once a defender has tagged an opponent, they should stop running, hold the tag above their head and shout 'TAG'. They must allow the ball carrier space to make a pass.
Once the ball has been passed, the tagger must hand the tag back to the player from whom it's been removed - they cannot rejoin play until this is done.
10. Tag Belts
Tag belts must be worn around the waist, on the outside of the playing shirt at all times, with both tags positioned normally, and not adapted or tampered with in any way. If a player has not followed this rule the referee will stop the match and ensure
the tag belt is placed correctly.
11. Conduct
The game should be played in the spirit of fair play, and any players commiting foul or dangerous play may be asked to leave the pitch. Tag is a non contact sport, and these rules will be enforced rigidly.
12. Walkovers
A walkover results in a 15-0 win to the non offending team.