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Home  Touch Rules - 2
The Rules of Touch Rugby - 2
Here are the Touch Rugby Rules in the full version, by the Federation International Touch.
Page 1 - RFU version [first page - outline rules]
Page 2 - FIT version - full rules [this page]
Material presented here is copyright:
? FIT Federation International Touch
FEDERATION INTERNATIONAL TOUCH (INCORPORATED)
Playing Rules with Explanations and Interpretations of the FIT Playing Rules of Touch, Third Edition
This publication combines the Law of International Touch with the explanations given on how to handle many of the various situations that occurred in the game of Touch.
As various situations occur throughout the game the referee sometimes "appears" to make decisions which others may consider difficult to understand or interpret. Therefore, this publication contains a series of explanation (Situations and Decisions) based on the various Rules. These Situations and Decisions are referred to as Explanatory Notes and Interpretations.
These Explanations are not just an attempt to clarify or interpret an existing rule; they are supplementary to the current Rules or what the past Rule Books contained at the time. The various situations mentioned in these Explanations are the ones most commonly asked by officials, players and referees. It is hoped, it will be easier for all Touch people to refer to and understand what interpretation is being applied on various situations and why.
The information contained here is not new. It is merely the Explanatory Notes issued by the federation, in one document. As more interpretations are issued, they will be added to the Explanation section pertaining to the relevant rule.
As the contents of this document are subject to Copyright (C), no part of this document may be copied or duplicated in any way without the written permission of the Author.
CONTENTS
Rule 1.
Definitions
Explanations and Interpretation
Rule 2.
The Field and the Ball
Explanations and Interpretation
Rule 3.
Player Eligibility and Attire
Explanations and Interpretation
Rule 4.
Mode of Play, Duration and Scoring
Explanations and Interpretation
Rule 5.
Team Composition and Substitution
Explanations and Interpretation
Rule 6.
Commencement/Recommencement of Play
Explanations and Interpretation
Rule 7.
Possession
Rule 8.
Passing
Rule 9.
The Rollball
Rule 10.
The Touch
Rule 11.
Ball on or over Sideline/Scoreline
Rule 12.
Ball touched in flight
Rule 13.
Offside
Rule 14.
Obstruction
Rule 15.
The Penalty
Rule 16.
Advantage
Rule 17.
Discipline and Player Conduct
Rule 18.
The Referee, Line Judges and Touchdown Zone Officials
RULE 1 - DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY
Unless the contrary intention appears, the following definitions and terminology apply to
the game of Touch Rugby:
1 Advantage is that property or part of play, which gives one team the potential to
improve its position to score relative to the other team.
2 Attacking Team is the team, which has possession or is gaining possession of the ball.
3 Attacking Scoreline is the line on or over which a team has to place the ball to score a
touchdown.
4 Behind means in a position or direction towards a team's defending scoreline.
5 Dead Ball means when the ball is out of play and includes the period following a
touch until the ball is brought back into play at a Rollball, the period following a
touchdown or penalty, until the match is recommenced, and when the ball goes to
ground and/or outside the boundaries of the field of play.
6 Defending Scoreline is the line, which a team has to defend to prevent a touchdown.
7 Defending Team is the team without possession of the ball.
8 Deliver means to part with the ball.
9 The Half is the player who takes possession of the ball behind the player who
performs the Rollball.
10 Field of Play is the playing area bounded by the sidelines and Touchdown Zone
lines, both of which are out of bounds.
11 Forward means in a position or direction towards a team's own attacking scoreline.
12 Full Time occurs at the expiration of the normal time allowed for play.
13 Interchange Area is a rectangle measuring twenty (20) metres long by no more
than five (5) metres wide, marked on both sides of the field, extending ten (10)
metres either side of the half way line and being one (1) metre from the sideline.
14 Mark (For a Touch) is the position where the attacking player in possession of the ball is
at the time of the touch.
15 Mark (For a Tap) is the centre of the halfway line for the commencement or
recommencement of play, or the position where a tap is awarded as a result
of an infringement.
16 Offside means in a position forward of the ball for an attacking player and in a
position liable to penalty for a defending player.
17 Onside means in a position whereby a player may legitimately become involved
with play.
18 Penalty is the action by the referee in awarding a tap when a player or team
infringes the rules of the game.
19 Rebound occurs when the ball deflects from or makes contact with a player other
than the player who first had possession.
20 Rollball is the normal act of bringing the ball into play following a touch or a
change of possession.
21 Ruling is the decision made by the referee as a result of particular circumstances.
It can result in a play on, a tap or a change of possession.
22 Scorelines are the lines separating the Touchdown Zone from the field of play.
23 Sidelines are the side boundaries of the field of play.
24 Tap is the method of commencing the match, recommencing the match after half
time and after a touchdown has been scored. It is also a method of recommencing
play when a penalty is awarded.
25 Touch is contact on any part of the body between a player in possession of the ball
and a defending player. A touch includes contact on the ball, hair or clothing and
may be made by a defending player or by the player in possession.
26 Touchdown is the result of an attacking player, except the half, placing the ball on
or over the team's attacking scoreline.
27 Touchdown Zone is the area bounded by the sideline, scoreline and Touchdown Zone Line.
28 Touchdown Zone Line is the line joining the sidelines extending no less than five
(5) metres and not more than ten (10) metres past the scoreline.
Explanations and Interpretation - Rule 1
SITUATION 1:1
When is a defending player put onside?
DECISION
A defending player is onside when the player takes up a position whereby they may
legitimately become involved in play and not liable to a penalty: i.e. five (5) metres from
the mark for a Rollball and ten (10) metres from the mark for a tap or both feet on or
beyond the scoreline. Rule1.16, Rule 13.3.
RULE 2 - THE FIELD AND THE BALL
1 Field of Play. The Field of play is rectangular in shape and measures seventy (70)
metres in length from scoreline to scoreline and fifty (50) metres in width.
2 Markings. Line Markings defining the field of play are to be at least 2.5 cm. in
width are to be laid out as shown in the diagram. (See Figure 1 - The Field of
Play). Sidelines are to be extended at least five (5) metres beyond the scorelines
and joined by the Touchdown Zone line.
Interchange Areas measuring twenty (20) metres in length by no more than five (5)
metres in width shall be marked on both sides of the field of play, extending ten
(10) metres either side of the halfway line and one (1) metre from the sideline.
3 Markers. Suitably sized markers of a distinguishing colour and made from a safe
and pliable material are to be positioned at the intersections of the sidelines and
scorelines: and at the intersections of the halfway line with the sidelines
4 Playing Surface. The playing surface is normally grass. However, other surfaces
approved by the Federation of International Touch may be used. Ground surfaces,
which may cause injury, are to be avoided.
5 The Ball. The game is to be played with an oval, inflated ball of a shape, colour
and size approved by the Federation of International Touch. The ball shall be
inflated to the recommended air pressure and if applicable it will be the officially
sanctioned ball endorsed by the Federation as at that time. The approved ball size is
36cm long and 55 cm in circumference.
PLAYER NOTES
A. A defending player must have both feet ON or behind the defending scoreline to be
onside, if a Rollball is within five (5) metres or a tap within ten (10) metres of the scoreline.
B. Team captains have the right to lodge a complaint regarding field conditions and
dimensions or environmental conditions (e.g. weather or state of the ground or
field markings) prior to the commencement of a match.
C. The ball must not be hidden under player attire.
REFEREE NOTES
A. The Referee is to inspect the boundaries and markers for clarity and safety, prior to
the commencement of the match.
ADMINISTRATOR NOTES
A. Federation officials should ensure that all grounds used for competition matches
are marked as shown in Figure 1 - The Field of Play. As a minimum, it is essential that
scorelines, sidelines, touchdown zone lines and the halfway line are correctly marked.
B. Any decision or variation to dimensions or on playing rules or conditions rests with
the Federation Executive or other Federation officials assigned to the Tournament.
SITUATION 2:1
A player has both his heels on the scoreline while defending. Are they onside?
DECISION
Yes, as both feet, (heels being part of the feet), are on or beyond the scoreline.
RULE 3 - PLAYER ELIGIBILITY AND ATTIRE
1 Eligibility. All participating players are to be registered with the member they
represent and authorised to play by other members with whom they may also be
registered. Teams playing unregistered or unauthorised players will forfeit such
matches.
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 4
2
Uniforms. All participating players are to be correctly attired in team uniforms
approved by the Federation of International Touch. Uniforms consist of upper
apparel, shorts (or briefs for female players) and socks with footwear.
3
Footwear. Shoes with screw-in studs or cleats are not to be worn by any player.
Light leather or synthetic boots with soft moulded soles are permitted, provided
individual studs are no longer than thirteen millimetres (13 mm) in length, the
measurement being taken from the sole of the boot.
4
Identification Numbers. All Players are to wear an identifying number, not less
than sixteen centimetres (16 cm) in height, clearly displayed on the front OR rear
of the upper garment. Numbers may be positioned on both sleeves as an alternative
providing the numbers are not less than eight (8) centimetres in height. No two
players of the same team may war the same number.
5
Jewellery and Fingernails. Players are not to participate in any match while
wearing any item of jewellery, which might prove dangerous. Long or sharp
fingernails are to be trimmed or taped.
PLAYER NOTES
A.
Players may, in conditions of cold weather, wear additional clothing providing
colours and numbers are displayed, subject to approval of the Tournament
Director.
REFEREE NOTES
A.
Referees are not to allow players to participate in any match unless the above dress
requirements are met.
B.
Referees are to inspect team clothing and footwear prior to matches. Fingernails
and jewellery of all competitors are to receive specific inspection.
ADMINISTRATOR NOTES
A.
Identification numbers of participating players should be in numerical order.
However, this is not mandatory.
B.
Minor dress variations may be approved by the Tournament Director.
Explanations and Interpretations - Rule 3
SITUATION 3:1
The rules only define jewellery, long fingernails or long studs as matters that need
attending to prior to a game commencing. What about items such as sunglasses, knee
braces, tongue studs, belly rings and other body piercing etc., can players wear these?
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 5
DECISION
At all level of Touch, the competition organisers have a duty of care to all the participants.
This includes the player themselves, their teammates and opponents, as well as spectators
who at park level are always close to the action.
Any item - even if a doctor's certificate has been provided which is considered by the
competition organisers as dangerous, has to be removed, otherwise the player cannot
participate.
RULE 4 - MODE OF PLAY, DURATION AND SCORING
1
Object. The object of the game of Touch is for each team to score touchdowns
and to prevent the opposition from scoring.
2
Mode of Play. The ball may be passed, knocked or handed between onside players
of the attacking team who may in turn run or otherwise move with the ball in an
attempt to gain territorial advantage and score. Defending players prevent the
attacking team from gaining a territorial advantage by touching the ball carrier,
either defending or attacking players may initiate touches upon which, play stops
and is restated with a Rollball, unless other rules apply.
3
Duration. The match is fourth five (45) minutes duration, consisting of two (2)
twenty (20) minute halves. There is a five (5) minute halftime break. The duration
may only be extended for exceptional circumstances.
4
End of Play. When time expires play is to continue until the ball next becomes
dead. Should a penalty be awarded during this period, the penalty is to be taken.
5
Scoring. A touchdown is awarded when a player (without being touched and other
than the half) places the ball on the ground on or over the team's attacking
scoreline and within the boundaries of the Touchdown Zone. A touchdown is
worth one (1) point.
6
The Winner. The team who at the end of play has scored the most touchdowns is
declared the winner. In the event of neither team scoring, or in the event of both
teams scoring the same number of touchdowns, a draw is declared.
7
Competition Points. Points are awarded in competition matches as follows:
WIN
- 3 POINTS
BYE
- 3 POINTS
DRAW
- 2 POINTS
LOSS
- 1 POINT
FORFEIT
- 0 POINTS
8
Extra Time for Drawn Matches. The following procedure will be utilised to
establish a single winner.
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 6
THE DROP OFF PROCEDURE
i)
When the match is drawn at the expiration of full time, the referee will wait until
the ball is dead, halt play, then signal to each team to reduce their playing strength
by one player. Teams do not have a break or leave the field instead they
immediately take up a position as for the restart of play continuing to play in the
same direction.
ii)
As soon as each team removes a player, the game continues with a tap from the
centre of the halfway line by the team who won the toss at the commencement of
the game. Substitutions of players is permitted at any time as per the normal
interchange rules.
iii)
At the conclusion of two minutes of extra time, a hooter is sounded and the referee
will stop play at the next touch or dead ball. Each team will drop off one player
thus reducing their on field strength to four (4) players.
iv)
Play will recommence immediately after the players have left the field at the same
point in the play where it was halted; (i.e. the team retaining possession at the
designated number of touches, or a change of possession due to some infringement
or it being the sixth touch).
v)
The clock does not stop when the hooter sounds at the two minute intervals, as
there is no time off during the Drop Off.
vi)
At each subsequent two minute period a signal for another player to drop off, will
be sounded.
vii)
Once the teams have been reduced to only three players each, no further drop off
of players will occur, and the match will continue until a touchdown is scored.
Should a player be sent off for the remainder of the match when teams have only
three players each, the offending team will forfeit, and lose the match.
viii)
During the Drop Off, before a winner can be declared, both teams must have had
possession. If a team scores before their opponents have had possession, the
touchdown counts and the match commences as per normal after a touchdown is
awarded. Once possession is lost the winner is then confirmed.
ix)
The decision on which player will drop off is entirely up to the team management,
which is the captain, coach, etc.
x)
A player/team wasting time at a drop off will be penalised at the mark for
recommencement of the match.
Notes for Players
a)
During the original match, if a player has been sent from the field of play for the
remainder of the match, that player cannot participate in extra time.
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 7
b)
A team that had a player (or players) dismissed from the field of play for the
remainder of the match will commence extra time with a reduced number of
players. Thus the team will commence extra time with four (4) players if one (1)
player had been sent off and three (3) if two players had been sent off.
At the drop off time, each team will still reduce their playing strength as per the
rules, thus ensuring the one team will have the player advantage as per in the
match. Once a team reaches only three players, no further drop off of players from
either team, will occur. Injured players can be replaced at any time.
c)
Mixed Teams can drop off in any sequence provided Rule 5.2 applies and that
there is a minimum on one (1) male and one (1) female player on the field at all
times.
9
Abandoned Matches. If a match is abandoned due to any circumstances, the
controlling Association shall decide the result.
PLAYER NOTES
A.
If a player places the ball on the ground and releases it short of the scoreline, while
attempting to score a touchdown, a touch is counted and the player is required to
Rollball to restart play at the position of contact with the ground. However a
touchdown results if an untouched player (other than the half) slides the ball along
the ground to or beyond the scoreline. If a player does not release the ball from
their hands, no touch is counted and the match continues.
REFEREE NOTES
A.
A Referee should be aware of players who commit "professional fouls" and should
take appropriate action.
B.
If in attempting to score, a player either makes contact with the corner marker or
crosses the extended sideline, no touchdown is awarded and the match is
recommenced by the opposition with a Rollball five (5) metres from the scoreline
and five (5) metres in from the sideline.
ADMINISTRATOR NOTES
A.
The Tournament Director should endeavour to provide official time keepers for all
matches. Should time keepers not be appointed, the referee is to act as the sole
time keeper and therefore is allowed to wear a watch.
B.
If extra time is to be played the Tournament Director will be responsible for the
timing of the two minute Intervals.
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 8
Explanations and Interpretations - Rule 4
SITUATION 4:1
What is the definition of possession with specific reference to a team having possession in
the drop off.
DECISION
Possession is where a team has control of the ball to the extent they are in a position to
score a touchdown if no defending players were on the field.
SITUATION 4:2
A player in possession while attempting to score a touchdown places the ball on the
ground (and releases it) short of the scoreline.
DECISION
The player retains possession and a touch is counted. Ball to be brought back into play
with a Rollball. The player would lose possession only if it was the sixth touch or the
player was half. - Rule 4; Player Note A.
SITUATION 4:3
Referee Note A uses the term 'appropriate action'. How is this defined?
DECISION
(a) Caution on the run;
(b) Penalty;
(c) Dismissal for a period of time;
(d) Dismissal for the remainder of the game;
(e) Suggest to the Captain to remove constant offender. - Rule 17; Referee Note D).
SITUATION 4:4
In Sudden Death Extra Time, when both teams must have possession before a result can
be declared, what happens (what is the procedure?) when only one team has had
possession and scores a touchdown?
DECISION
The referee awards the touchdown and play recommences with a tap at the half way mark
by the team who was scored against. They have possession for six touches or until they
lose possession. If they do not score before they lose possession the other team is
declared the winner. - Rule 4.8 (ii).
SITUATION 4:5
In Sudden Death Extra Time, when both teams must have possession before a result can
be declared, what happens when a team received "six again" and scores a touchdown
before their opponents have possession.
DECISION
The referee awards the touchdown and play recommences with a tap at the half way mark
by the team who was scored against. A team is allowed possession until the ball is dead,
i.e. lose possession, as in general play. - Rule 4.8 (ii).
(c) F.I.T. Rules and their Interpretations and Explanations
Page 9
...continued
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