Touch Rugby - Overview
Touch rugby refers to games derived from rugby football in which players do not tackle each other but instead touch their opponents using their hands on any part of the body, clothing, or the ball.
A formal, competitive variety, known as Touch, developed from rugby league and now exists as a sport in its own right. In addition, touch rugby games are played as training activities for rugby league and rugby union; as safer variants of rugby, particularly in schools and junior clubs, and as an informal social sport.
Touch rugby has a number of differences from the traditional games, including its simplicity (it requires very little equipment or goalposts), its ease of learning, and the decreased likelihood of injury. As a result, it is a popular social game; mixed-gender and women-only games are also very popular in the UK, where Touch Rugby is played in many popular centres around the World. The Touch World Cup is being held next in Nottingham England in Summer 2024. The governing body for Touch is The Federation of International Touch - FIT
Any sport needs some form of equipment, Touch Rugby is easy, it requires 4 key items
1. A Ball
2. Some Cones
3. Space
4. A few friends
The Ball:
The game is played a rugby ball that is slightly smaller than an adult rugby union ball (size 5) and slightly plumper than a juniors rugby union ball (size 4). It is designed to be picked up by most people 1 handed.
Cones:
The use of cones is to safely mark out the pitch. Using the soft low surface ones are best to avoid ankle injuries if stepped on. Lines should be marked with similar cone colours when possible to help support players and referees.
Space:
The playing surface is normally grass. Other surfaces can be used but should be checked for safety first, and should be as flat as possible. A full-sized field is 50m wide by 70m long (Goal line to Goal line). Lines that are standard include: Dead ball, Tryline, 7m line (from tryline) 10m line (from halfway) & halfway - then replicated on the other side.
Other lines that can be marked out include the sub boxes (either side of pitch) and any additional 7m lines if supporting beginners play
Friends:
Touch teams are normally made up of 6 players on the pitch with up to 8 substitutes per team (Squad of 14). Rolling subs are allowed. The beauty of Touch is that it can be flexible, having mixed teams,