| Touch requires no previous experience. Some of the basic principles are likened to rugby but that is where the similarities end. Touch is an entirely unique sport, which combines the benefits of exercise with the enjoyment of being in a social environment. It caters for all, whether you're young or old, fit or unfit, you can get involved. Touch is a great way to stay active, as it's a high intensity sport. However, if you're not looking to overdo it, you don't have to as touch has rolling substitutes to recover if necessary. Still not sure - why not come and try touch at one of our free taster sessions? A beginner's guide to touch
A touch team is composed of up to 14 players, six of whom must be on the field at any one time. The ball is passed from player to player, backwards as in rugby, with the aim of gaining territory in the other team's half and getting the ball behind the line to score a 'Touchdown'. The aim is to score more touchdowns than the other team. The main defensive tactic in the game of touch is similar to rugby league, or a tackle in other codes of rugby. A 'Touch' (simply touching the player) is performed by the defensive team on any part of the body or clothing of the current ball carrier for the attacking team, or the ball itself. At the moment of a touch it is customary for the defensive player who is performing the touch to shout 'touch', which alerts both the attacking and defensive teams and the referee that the player has been touched. Once a player has been touched, they must roll the ball backwards (Rollball) and play begins again. After six touches, if a touchdown has not been scored, possession transfers from the attacking to the defensive team. The field
The field is of rectangular form and dimension of approximately 70 X 50 metres (ie half of a normal rugby or football field). The ball
The ball used in touch is slightly smaller than the one traditionally used in either rugby union or league. As a result it is easier to handle. Composition of the teams and replacements
The teams can be male, female or mixed. Typically, mixed teams must have at least two females and one male on the field at all times. There is no limit to the number of substitutions. Play is continuous and does NOT stop for substititions. Mode of play
The ball can be passed backwards (but not kicked) between team mates who attempt to evade defenders and score touchdowns. Duration
The official duration is 40 minutes (two 20 minutes halves) with up to a five minute halftime break. Scoring
A touchdown is scored when the ball is grounded behind the line of touchdown. Each touchdown scores one point. Possession The ball is returned to the opposing team when: The sixth touch has occurred The attacking team drops the ball on the ground In the event of a penalty If the ball/player goes out of the field of play.
The players who defend can intercept the ball but if the player who tries the interception drops it on the ground, it is returned to the attacking team with a new credit of six touches. After an attacking player has been touched and a rollball occurs, the defensive players must be placed at least five metres back from the 'Mark' (where the touch occurred). If they are not, they are classed as 'Offside' and cannot touch the player carrying the ball as long as it is in their possession. If they try to obstruct the attacker once the referee has called offside, a 'Penalty' will be given.
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