Tag Rugby

Weymouth Rugby Football Club Ltd

Learn to play Tag Rugby - Why Play Tag Rugby?

Tag Rugby is a new and exciting form of rugby that can be played by people of all ages and abilities.

Tag Rugby is the form of the game that is used to introduce young people to the rugby at primary schools. Tag is a non-contact form of the game that is lots of fun to play and is very easy to learn and teach. Tag Rugby has the following advantages over traditional games of touch rugby: It shows clearly when a tackle is made and prevents arguments It allows players to easily referee their own games It gives a real incentive for defenders to defend It momentarily takes the 'tackler' out of the game as would happen in full contact rugby, allowing more time and space for the attacking team It encourages the correct lines of running required for success in the full 15-a-side game. Most importantly Tag Rugby is a fun game which all the family can play.	Why teach Tag Rugby? Many schools use Tag Rugby as the invasion game they teach to fit in with the National Curriculum for Primary School PE because it is so easy to deliver. Tag Rugby offers a great game for Primary schools, as boys and girls can play together regardless of age or experience. There is a video and booklet available to help you and you can attend courses to learn how to teach Tag Rugby. Older girls (year 7 and above) learn to play Tag Rugby in secondary school and then go on to play rugby with a local girls rugby team. They can then go on to play women's rugby once they are 16
How to play Tag Rugby
Object of the Game To score a try by placing the ball, with downward pressure, on or behind the opponents' goal line	You will need: A rugby ball Some tags Cones to mark out the pitch.
For simplicity's sake, a try is worth one point. Tag Rugby can be played without scrums and lineouts and teams can be as small as 4 or 5 a-side. It can be played on grass, sand or on hard surfaces. There is no need for rugby posts and the pitch can be marked as a simple rectangle. Teachers, coaches and players need no previous knowledge of rugby to get started and makes Tag Rugby an ideal game for girls and boys of all ages and abilities.
Method: You will have to know how to hold the rugby ball so you put your thumbs on the top and your fingers on the bottom. You will have to know how to pass the rugby ball. First you hold it like you should, then you put your foot to the right side, then you swing the ball across your body. You must pass backwards. Wherever you pass you point. Now you know how to hold and pass the ball you can get your tags to play tag rugby. There are two teams with different coloured tags. If the other team has the ball, you run up to them, rip the tag off, hold it up in the air and shout "Tag!" How to score a try as you run up the field and once you get to the try line you need to put the ball down. That's when you have scored a try. Number of Players This is flexible. However, it is suggested that teams between 5 and 7 a-side help to encourage maximum involvement and activity. Most Tag Rugby festivals are played with 7 a -side teams. When playing mixed games teams usually include a minimum of 3 girls and 3 boys.
How should a tag belt be worn? All players wear a tag belt around the waist and on the outside of the clothing. Shirts should be tucked in at all times. The ribbons (tags) are positioned on either side of the hips and the teams are distinguished by the colour of ribbons they wear. Belts should be firmly fastened to avoid unnecessary movement during a 'tag', with any surplus length of belt being tucked securely out of the way for safety. Duration of play For 7 a-side games two halves of seven minutes each way are played with 1 minute for half time. At festivals for young players it is suggested 10 minute games with no half time avoids confusion and saves time.
Tag Pitch Dimensions Size of pitch 7 a-side games can be played across half a normal sized rugby/soccer pitch (50-60m x 25-30m). Four games of 4 or 5 a-side can be played on a typical school rugby/soccer pitch using dimensions of 30-35m x 15-20m. Tag Pitch Markings Pitch markings Tag Rugby can be played by marking out a basic rectangle. However, for festivals and competitive matches, the following markings can prove helpful. Note: Goalposts are not required to play Tag Rugby. A dead ball line can also be included for more experienced players but, without goalposts, can prove confusing with those inexperienced in rugby
For full details contact Des Quick at Weymouth Rugby Club