Touch Rugby, or TOUCH as it is becoming known, is a minimal contact sport that is played throughout the world by men, women and children of all ages and skill levels.

Touch appeals to both sports enthusiasts as well as those looking for an ''alternative way'' of getting or keeping fit through a fun game, which needs only a ball and maybe jumpers for corner flags!#

The southern hemisphere hugely supports touch, which is no surprise as its roots can be traced back to Australia in the 1960s where it was used as a warm-up game.  Currently over 300,000 people play touch in New Zealand.

In England, the popularity for Touch has rapidly grown around the country, and is now widely played by over 15,000 adults in London, Cardiff, Manchester, Glasgow, Bath, Newcastle and the Midlands.....more

TOUCH RUGBY NEWS - 5.3.08

The RFU have been working on guidelines for mixed age Touch Rugby.  The situation has arisen in light of recent campaigns run by clubs to attract new players through the Go Play Rugby campaign.  The variations of the game have played a large part in the recruitment and now, hopefully, with the retention of players.  The concern is that there has been no guidance before on mixed age and that this needs to be addressed.

The RFU Leisure Rugby team reccomends the following guidance to address these concerns.  It is very encouraging to see our clubs taking such a positive stance in protection of minors at clubs and should be applauded for bringing this to our attention.

The variation is set out below:

Touch Rule adaptation for mixed age Touch (DRAFT):

The game of Touch Rugby can be played by adults and children providing that there are suitable numbers of adults (Enhanced CRB checked) to supervise (1 per game); the referee should be aware and ensure that any touches made are appropriate.

For clarity when playing with both adults and children (U16) in the same team or against each other, all touches must be made between shoulders and hip height.  Touches are not to be made in the chest area but on the abdomen and the back and sides.

If a referee or any player is concerned with the appropriateness of touches, they are to report those concerns to the event organiser immediately.

The RFU reccommends that TAG rugby is the preferred game when playing mixed age / gender between adults and children.

 

Matt Foad  (Leisure Rugby Development Officer ) - 5.3.08

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TOUCH RUGBY NEWS - 7.1.08

Premiership Touch Rugby Leagues

The Leisure Rugby team has been working closely with PRL to help deliver Premiership Touch Leagues.  Visits have now been made with most clubs interested in running the leagues and the Leisure Rugby Development Officers will now help find staff for the sites and help with the setting up and working with the Community departments from the clubs.

This is a big step forward on last year and it is hoped that there will be in the region of 36 leagues running around the country in association with Premiership clubs.

Matt Foad (Leisure Rugby Development Officer)  -  7.1.08