I've aways loved the fast and frenetic game that is Tag Rugby. It replicates what I find most exciting about the game - the speed, agility, quickness of thought - but it delivers it without the impact and force that comes from the full contact version.
But more than that, rugby has always prided itself on being an inclusive game. You only have to watch the line ups of any two rugby sides to see that the game provides a welcome home for nearly all shapes and sizes. With Tag Rugby it goes a stage further with boys and girls playing side by side - even at the highest levels.
In fact its true that there has never been a better time for Women's rugby in England, with our national side being hailed as one of the greatest teams of all time. Women's rugby is on the up, and it's in no small part due to the support, environment and culture that is Rugby.
So here is your introduction to the World of Tag Rugby.
What is tag rugby?
Tag rugby is a non-contact version of rugby, in which each player wears a special belt that has two tags attached to it.
Instead of being tackled, a player carrying the ball can be ‘tagged’ by having a tag removed from their belt by a member of the opposition.
Tag rugby involves players staying on their feet at all times, including when scoring a try.
Seven players from each team are allowed on the pitch at one time.
The attacking team has six plays or tags to try to score a try or take the ball down the field as close to the line as possible.
What’s the difference between tag rugby and rugby?
The main difference is the tag that has to be removed to constitute a tackle, as opposed to making a touch with regular rugby. Another other main difference between tag rugby and rugby is that kicking is not allowed in tag rugby, as well as the ball being allowed to touch the floor.
The history of tag rugby
Tag rugby was first developed in Gibraltar by the Gibraltar Rugby Union. They were looking for a way to continue playing rugby when they were lacking grass pitches.
In England, in 1990, a teacher created a more structured version of tag rugby after hearing how Navy servicemen could play this version of rugby on board their ships, or on the hard grounds of Gibraltar.
The PE teacher, Nick Leonard, devised a set of rules for a children’s game of tag rugby and the very first school’s tag rugby festival took place in Plymouth in the UK in 1991.
How do you score in tag rugby?
Know that you know what is tag rugby, let's see how we can score! The object of the game of tag rugby is to score a try by placing the ball with downward pressure behind the opponents’ goal line. A try is worth one point.
Unlike in a game of rugby union, for safety reasons, a player must not dive over the line to ground the ball.
The player must ground the ball with downward pressure, so, if the player drops the ball over the line, the try is not given. If this happens, it is called a ‘knock-on’ and the opposing team receives a free pass.
Rules of tag rugby
A game begins with a pass backwards from the centre spot.
A try can only be scored when the ball is touched to the ground.
You cannot pass the ball forwards.
When a try is scored, the game is restarted by a free pass from the centre of the pitch by the non-scoring team.
The only contact allowed between players is the removal of a tag by a defender from the belt of the ball carrier.
Once the tag is removed, the defender must shout ‘tag’ and return it to the attacker.
After being tagged, the ball carrier must pass the ball within three seconds or steps. If the player takes longer than this, the ball will be given to the other team.
Once a player is tagged, the defending team must move one metre behind the ball carrier to allow them to pass, otherwise, they will be in an offside position and penalized.
In addition to these tag rugby rules, there should be no:
kicking of the ball;
diving onto the ball to score a try or to pick up a dropped ball;
pulling or knocking the ball out of the carrier’s hands;
spinning or jumping to avoid being tagged;
hiding of tags - they must be visible and not tucked into shorts;
missing tags - a player must have both their tags on to participate in the game;
throwing tags on the floor by defenders when taken from the ball carrier;
contact between players, including shirt pulling or barging the ball carrier.
What are the tags for in tag rugby?
A 'tag' is the removal of one of the two tags from the ball carrier’s belt. Only the ball carrier can be tagged. The ball carrier can run and dodge potential taggers but cannot fend them off using their hands or the ball, and cannot guard or shield their tags in any way.
Players must always have two tags affixed to their belt whilst taking part in the game. If a player has one or both tags missing, and they become the ball carrier or tag an opponent, then a free pass will immediately be awarded against them.
1. All-inclusive
Tag Rugby is an all-inclusive game, meaning that it is open to anyone who wants to play regardless of gender or ability. It does not discriminate against age, size or experience and it means that girls and boys are able to play the sport together.
2. Great for beginners
Tag Rugby is fast moving, high scoring and engages players. This is particularly important for beginners as it encourages fun and a sense of achievement at all levels. Possession of the ball and scoring is much higher in Tag Rugby than contact rugby which means new players benefit from more possession, more passes and more scoring. 3. Can be played anywhere
Tag Rugby can be played anywhere with any amount of players. Whether you're looking for a laid back family fun game in the local park or a more structured competitive 7-a-side game in an organised league, there are options for every type of player. 4. Good for Rugby Union
Tag Rugby offers a good training for Rugby Union as it enables and encourages attackers to get beyond the defence and pass the ball behind defenders. The concept of tackle can be introduced to the game once players become more proficient. 5. A safer sport
Tag Rugby is a much safer sport for junior players. Many parents are put off rugby due to the rough nature of the tackling and the multiple injuries caused to players. In Tag Rugby, the tackling is replaced with a tag - players only need to tag their opponents to indicate they have been tackled. 6. Keeps kids fit
Tag Rugby is a fantastic way for kids to keep fit in a fun and energetic way. The level of activity in a game promotes bone and muscle strength as well as great body coordination, and it encourages children to be physically fit whilst enjoying themselves too.
7. Installs positive values
Positive values such as honesty are installed into children from an early age. For example, a tag is much more discreet than a tackle therefore players must be honest about when they have been tagged. 8. Promotes teamwork
Tag Rugby is a team game and players must all pull together in order to win. Players learn how to trust one another and rely on one another - a trait that can be built upon and used in everyday life. 9. Installs discipline
The game of Tag Rugby installs discipline into players. As with any other sport, there are rules to be followed and adhered to, in order to achieve a fair and positive outcome.
At Accelerate sports we include a healthy portion of Tag Rugby due to my experiences as a professional player and coach. Maybe I am biased, but I have in my time, found no sport that can eclipse the combination of community, respect, athleticism, strength and honour that rugby delivers.
Accelerate Sports operates in Barnet, North West London and specialises in delivering premium coaching experiences to under 18s. As well as operating after school clubs, Saturday Multi sports camps and holiday camps we also have a specialised Performance Academy that acts as a feeder into professional sports environments.