Oztag/Tag Rugby #sportsvariations

UK

Tag Rugby/Oztag

Tag rugby, or Oztag is a non-contact team game in which each player wears a belt that has two velcro tags attached to it, or shorts with velcro patches. The mode of play is based on rugby football with many similarities to touch rugby, although tag rugby is often deemed as a closer simulation of the full contact codes of rugby than touch. Attacking players attempt to dodge, evade and pass a rugby ball while defenders attempt to prevent them scoring by "tagging" - pulling a velcro attached tag from the ball carrier, rather than a full contact tackle. The sport is great fun for both genders and all ages as there are many competitions in Australia that allow for teams to enter and compete for some social fun.

Dimensions of the field

The dimensions of the field are 50 meters wide and 70 meters long. It is about the same size as half of a normal soccer/rugby field. 

Rules

The rules of oztag are very similar to rugby such as the knock on, no forward pass and correct play the ball however there are some slight differences between the two.

Basic rules are there is a maximum of 8 players on the field per side.

Once a player has removed a tag, they drop it to the ground, marking the area where the play the ball should occur.

Only one marker

The attacker is not allowed to protect his/her tag from defenders such as a fend, however hip twisting is allowed, however jumping is not allowed to avoid a tag.

There is no dead ball line,

Defense must be back 7 meters. 

Kicks are not allowed to be over shoulder height.

The try line becomes the dead ball line once the ball is kicked. 

Defensive line is allowed to move forward once the dummy half has touched the ball.

An example of hip twisting to evade a defender attempting to tag

- Tim