Simplified rules
The rules of touch are very simple and are modeled on some of the key rules of rugby - without the contact and complexity. The object of the game is simple; score touchdowns (tries) whilst stopping the other team from scoring more than you. There is no kicking, no scrums, no lineouts, no mauls, no rucks and no tackling.
- Teams consist of 6 players and the game is played on a 70m x 50m pitch
- Each team has six touches every possession to score a touchdown by placing the ball over the goaline, if not the ball is handed to the opposition
- The ball can only be passed backwards
- When an attacking player is touched by the opposition 2 things happen:
- The attacker has to stop and "roll" the ball between their legs
- The defending team must retreat 5m back from the line of the touch
- The person who picks the ball up after the touch is called "dummy half", this person can pass or run with the ball but if they get touched the ball is handed over to the other team. Dummy half cannot score
- If the attacking team loses control of the ball - ball to ground, it is handed over to the other team for a roll ball restart
- If a forward pass in made a penalty is given to the other team. The offending team must retire 10m from the mark of the penalty
If these rules seem complicated you should try reading the real ones!
Don't worry we regularly hold beginners training sessions where we explain the rules in more detail