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Junior Competition Tri Tag Rugby Laws

What it is

A series of fixtures played across multiple rounds within a defined season, in which registered teams' results are recorded and accumulate into a ladder or standings through Rugby Xplorer.

Finals can be played as a part of competition Tri Tag Rugby.

Examples

  • A club run Saturday morning Tri Tag Rugby competition over a winter season, with a ladder and finals.
  • An interschool Friday afternoon Tri Tag Rugby competition run across a school term, with a ladder determining a premier.
  • A girls only Tri Tag Rugby division run by an MU across several clubs over a term, with standings.

Sanctionable laws for U8. Each card sets out the Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law, how it can be broken, the sanction that follows, and how play restarts.

Tag (replaces Tackle)

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A ball carrier is halted when a defender detaches one or both side tags. The third tag, worn at the back, does not halt a ball carrier. There is no tackle and no contact of any kind is permitted. If the back tag is removed by accident, the referee calls play on. If a side tag comes off without being pulled by a defender, it is treated as a tag. The ball carrier is halted where the tag came off and the tag is counted. A ball carrier who removes their own tag is dealt with under Voluntary Tag and Surrender.

How the law can be broken

• A defender makes contact rather than playing at the tag. • A defender holds the ball carrier, their tag or their uniform longer than necessary. • A defender calls tag without detaching a tag (phantom tag). • Any tackle, grab or forceful contact by either team.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. Advantage is not played for foul play, except in the act of scoring a try, where a penalty try is awarded. Deliberate or repeated contact is foul play and is dealt with under the card framework for the age group.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Replaces World Rugby Law 14 (Tackle) and the tackle provisions of Law 9.13. Tri Tag rule book, Sections 1, 2 and 5.

Tag – Ball Carrier Evasion (replaces Fend / Palm)

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A ball carrier must not palm or fend, jump, spin through 360 degrees, bend forward to protect the tags, step into a defender, or touch their own tags while in possession.

How the law can be broken

• The ball carrier palms or fends a defender's hand away. • The ball carrier jumps or spins to avoid a tag. • The ball carrier bends forward over the tags or shields them with hands, arms or the ball. • The ball carrier touches their own tag while in possession. • The ball carrier fends a defender's hands away to prevent a tag.

Sanction

Fending a defender's hands away is a Penalty Kick to the defending team. Every other evasion offence is an automatic tag at the point the act occurred, and repeated offences are penalised.

Restart post-sanction

Fend: Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession. Any other evasion offence: an automatic tag at the point the act occurred. Play restarts from the ruck at that point and the tag is counted.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Replaces the hand off permitted by World Rugby Law 9.24. Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

Tag – Late and Pre Tag

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A tag detached after the ball is passed or kicked is a late tag. A tag detached before a player receives the ball is a pre tag. The attacking team may play on with one or no tags attached while advantage applies. This will be managed by the referee.

How the law can be broken

• A defender detaches a tag from a player who is not in possession. • A defender detaches a tag clearly after the ball has been passed or kicked.

Sanction

Advantage first. Where no advantage results, a Penalty Kick is awarded to the attacking team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 5.

Tag – Ball Placement

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The tagged player returns to the point the first tag was detached if they have advanced beyond a reasonable distance, faces the direction they were running, and places the ball on the ground behind them. They may then reattach their tags. Tagged short of the try line: the tag halts the player where it happens. No try is awarded for reaching or momentum. The player places the ball at that point and a ruck forms. No pass after the tag: once tagged, the player must stop, return to the mark and place the ball. The ball cannot be passed after the tag.

How the law can be broken

• The player fails to return to the mark. • The player does not face the direction they were running. • The ball is dropped forward or placed more than 3 metres behind. • The player rejoins the attack without reattaching their tags. • A player tagged short of the try line reaches or carries the ball over and grounds it. • The tagged player passes the ball after the tag.

Sanction

Changeover where the ball is lost forward or beyond 3 metres. Tag counted in other cases. Tagged short of the try line: no try. Play restarts with a ruck at the point of the tag. Pass after the tag: at the Referee's discretion.

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts at the mark under the age group restart: Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly. Pass after the tag: at the Referee's discretion.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

Ruck – Cleaning Out (replaces Tackle/Ruck – World Rugby Offences)

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A teammate removes the back tag and holds it above their head. The ruck is over once the halfback passes. The player who cleaned out must guard the ruck and cannot receive the ball until the halfback has played it. The ruck must be cleaned out within five seconds. Possession turns over where the ruck is not cleaned out. If the back tag is not removed from the tagged player and held up, a turnover is awarded to the defending team at the point of the ruck. This replaces the jackal as the turnover route. The player who picks up from behind the ruck cannot be the player who was tagged or the player who cleaned out.

How the law can be broken

• The back tag is not removed and held up. • The ruck is not cleaned out within five seconds. • The halfback plays the ball before the ruck is cleaned out. • The player who cleaned out receives the ball before the halfback plays it. • The player who was tagged, or the player who cleaned out, picks up from behind the ruck.

Sanction

Turnover to the defending team at the point of the ruck.

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts at the point of the ruck under the age group restart: Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Replaces World Rugby Law 15 (Ruck). Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2, 6 and 7.

Ruck – Defending (replaces tackle contest numbers)

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Two pillars guard the ruck at all times, standing side by side, no more than 1 metre in front of the player who placed the ball and no more than 1 metre apart. The remainder of the defending team retreats 3 metres in line with the Referee. If the tag contest does not have 2 pillars then, the tag count resets for the attacking team. Where the ruck is within 3 metres of the defending team's goal line, the defending team retreats only to its goal line, which becomes the offside line. The two pillars stay in position.

How the law can be broken

• The defending team does not have two pillars in position at the tagged player. • A pillar plays at the ball or retrieves it. • A pillar interferes with the player cleaning out or picking up. • Pillars leave before the halfback plays the ball. • A defender is closer than 3 metres to the ruck.

Sanction

Where two pillars are not in position, the tag count restarts. Where a pillar plays at the ball, interferes with the clean out or leaves early, a Penalty Kick is awarded to the attacking team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 5. Replaces the tackle contest numbers in the XV law set.

Ruck – Junior Variations

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Once the ball has been placed at the ruck, the player acting as halfback must not run with the ball and must pass. No attacking player may pick up and run from the ruck. There is no jackal. Possession can only be won through the clean out turnover, the tag count or an infringement.

How the law can be broken

• The player acting as halfback runs with the ball from the ruck. • An attacking player picks up and runs from the ruck.

Sanction

Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

No World Rugby Law equivalent. Rugby Australia junior specific modifications, adapted from the XV Tackle/Ruck – Junior Variations row.

Obstruction

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A player must not prevent an opponent from making a tag. An attacker must not run behind a teammate to cause an obstruction, and an attacking player in front of the ruck must not take part in the next play.

How the law can be broken

• An attacker runs behind a teammate to block a defender. • An attacking player in front of the ruck takes part in play. • A player without the ball is obstructed or tagged.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.2 (obstruction), with the tag specific provisions from the Tri Tag rule book, Sections 6 and 10.

Voluntary Tag and Surrender

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A ball carrier must not place the ball with both side tags attached, remove their own tag, or give up and stop attacking.

How the law can be broken

• The ball carrier places the ball with both side tags attached. • The ball carrier removes their own tag. • The ball carrier surrenders rather than attacking.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. Awarded to the defending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 6.

Diving and Aerial Contest

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A player may only dive to ground the ball where no opponent is within 3 metres. There are no aerial contests; where a defender is under a kick the referee calls defenders ball and attackers stay 3 metres away.

How the law can be broken

• A player dives for the ball with an opponent within 3 metres. • A kick chaser dives on or slides towards the ball. • An attacker contests a ball a defender is positioned under.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. A try is disallowed where the dive was illegal.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 4 and 7.

Tag Count

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The attacking team has seven tags. After the seventh tag possession changes over at the point the seventh tag was made, and the new attacking team restarts with a tap. Where the defending team does not have two pillars in position at the tagged player, the tag count restarts at zero. The tag count also restarts at zero when a defender touches the ball and the attacking team regains it, and when a Penalty Kick or Free Kick is awarded to the attacking team. An interception starts a new tag count for the new attacking team.

How the law can be broken

• The defending team does not have two pillars in position at the tagged player. • Not otherwise an offence. The seventh tag changeover is recorded here so the restart sits with every other restart.

Sanction

Where two pillars are not in position, the tag count restarts at zero. The tag count also restarts at zero when a defender touches the ball and the attacking team regains it, or a Penalty Kick or Free Kick is awarded to the attacking team.

Restart post-sanction

After the seventh tag: changeover at the point the seventh tag was made, under the age group restart: Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

No World Rugby Law equivalent.

Maul

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The maul is not permitted at any age group. A maul cannot form without contact between opponents. Where a defender holds or binds on a ball carrier, or attacking players bind on the ball carrier and drive into a defender, that act is contact and is penalised against the team that initiated it. The referee calls play on where no contact with an opponent has occurred, and the ball carrier continues or is tagged.

How the law can be broken

• Players bind on a ball carrier and drive. • A defender holds or binds on the ball carrier.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. Awarded against the team that initiated the contact.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 16 (Maul). Not applicable in this format.

Offside - Ruck

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The offside line at the ruck is 3 metres back from the ruck, in line with the Referee. The two pillars are exempt while in position. The defending team may move once the ball is in the hands of the first receiver following a pass from the ruck or a tap kick. If the ball is not taken cleanly, the defending team must wait until the player takes possession. Where the ruck is within 3 metres of the defending team's goal line, the defending team retreats only to its goal line, which becomes the offside line. The two pillars stay in position.

How the law can be broken

• A defending player moves forward before the ball is in the hands of the first receiver following a pass from the ruck or a tap kick. • Where the ball is not taken cleanly, a defending player moves before the ball carrier has taken clear possession. • A defending player other than the two pillars is closer than 3 metres to the ruck.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 10 (offside in general play). The tackle offside line in Law 14.10 and the ruck offside line in Law 15.4 are replaced by the defensive line at the ruck.

Offside - Restarts

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Players on the defending team must be 3m back from where the mark occurs for the tap, and must not move until the first receiver is in possession of the ball. Players on the attacking team must be behind the player tapping the ball.

How the law can be broken

Players on the defending side not being back 3 metres, when the ball is tapped. Players moving up before the ball has been tapped. Attacking players are in front of the player tapping the ball.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

No World Rugby Law equivalent. These are Rugby Australia junior specific modifications.

Kicking (General Play)

U8
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Kicking the ball during general play is not permitted at U8.

How the law can be broken

• Any player kicks the ball during general play, whether a punt, grubber, drop kick, chip kick, or any deliberate contact with the foot that propels the ball.

Sanction

Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

No World Rugby Law equivalent. General play kicking is unrestricted in the senior game. This is a Rugby Australia junior specific modification only.

Sanctionable laws for U9&10. Each card sets out the Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law, how it can be broken, the sanction that follows, and how play restarts.

Tag (replaces Tackle)

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A ball carrier is halted when a defender detaches one or both side tags. The third tag, worn at the back, does not halt a ball carrier. There is no tackle and no contact of any kind is permitted. If the back tag is removed by accident, the referee calls play on. If a side tag comes off without being pulled by a defender, it is treated as a tag. The ball carrier is halted where the tag came off and the tag is counted. A ball carrier who removes their own tag is dealt with under Voluntary Tag and Surrender.

How the law can be broken

• A defender makes contact rather than playing at the tag. • A defender holds the ball carrier, their tag or their uniform longer than necessary. • A defender calls tag without detaching a tag (phantom tag). • Any tackle, grab or forceful contact by either team.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. Advantage is not played for foul play, except in the act of scoring a try, where a penalty try is awarded. Deliberate or repeated contact is foul play and is dealt with under the card framework for the age group.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Replaces World Rugby Law 14 (Tackle) and the tackle provisions of Law 9.13. Tri Tag rule book, Sections 1, 2 and 5.

Tag – Ball Carrier Evasion (replaces Fend / Palm)

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A ball carrier must not palm or fend, jump, spin through 360 degrees, bend forward to protect the tags, step into a defender, or touch their own tags while in possession.

How the law can be broken

• The ball carrier palms or fends a defender's hand away. • The ball carrier jumps or spins to avoid a tag. • The ball carrier bends forward over the tags or shields them with hands, arms or the ball. • The ball carrier touches their own tag while in possession. • The ball carrier fends a defender's hands away to prevent a tag.

Sanction

Fending a defender's hands away is a Penalty Kick to the defending team. Every other evasion offence is an automatic tag at the point the act occurred, and repeated offences are penalised.

Restart post-sanction

Fend: Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it. Any other evasion offence: an automatic tag at the point the act occurred. Play restarts from the ruck at that point and the tag is counted.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Replaces the hand off permitted by World Rugby Law 9.24. Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

Tag – Late and Pre Tag

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A tag detached after the ball is passed or kicked is a late tag. A tag detached before a player receives the ball is a pre tag. The attacking team may play on with one or no tags attached while advantage applies. This will be managed by the referee.

How the law can be broken

• A defender detaches a tag from a player who is not in possession. • A defender detaches a tag clearly after the ball has been passed or kicked.

Sanction

Advantage first. Where no advantage results, a Penalty Kick is awarded to the attacking team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 5.

Tag – Ball Placement

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The tagged player returns to the point the first tag was detached if they have advanced beyond a reasonable distance, faces the direction they were running, and places the ball on the ground behind them. They may then reattach their tags. Tagged short of the try line: the tag halts the player where it happens. No try is awarded for reaching or momentum. The player places the ball at that point and a ruck forms. No pass after the tag: once tagged, the player must stop, return to the mark and place the ball. The ball cannot be passed after the tag.

How the law can be broken

• The player fails to return to the mark. • The player does not face the direction they were running. • The ball is dropped forward or placed more than 3 metres behind. • The player rejoins the attack without reattaching their tags. • A player tagged short of the try line reaches or carries the ball over and grounds it. • The tagged player passes the ball after the tag.

Sanction

Changeover where the ball is lost forward or beyond 3 metres. Tag counted in other cases. Tagged short of the try line: no try. Play restarts with a ruck at the point of the tag. Pass after the tag: at the Referee's discretion.

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts at the mark under the age group restart: Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly. Pass after the tag: at the Referee's discretion.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

Ruck – Cleaning Out (replaces Tackle/Ruck – World Rugby Offences)

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A teammate removes the back tag and holds it above their head. The ruck is over once the halfback passes. The player who cleaned out must guard the ruck and cannot receive the ball until the halfback has played it. The ruck must be cleaned out within five seconds. Possession turns over where the ruck is not cleaned out. If the back tag is not removed from the tagged player and held up, a turnover is awarded to the defending team at the point of the ruck. This replaces the jackal as the turnover route. The player who picks up from behind the ruck cannot be the player who was tagged or the player who cleaned out.

How the law can be broken

• The back tag is not removed and held up. • The ruck is not cleaned out within five seconds. • The halfback plays the ball before the ruck is cleaned out. • The player who cleaned out receives the ball before the halfback plays it. • The player who was tagged, or the player who cleaned out, picks up from behind the ruck.

Sanction

Turnover to the defending team at the point of the ruck.

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts at the point of the ruck under the age group restart: Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Replaces World Rugby Law 15 (Ruck). Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2, 6 and 7.

Ruck – Defending (replaces tackle contest numbers)

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Two pillars guard the ruck at all times, standing side by side, no more than 1 metre in front of the player who placed the ball and no more than 1 metre apart. The remainder of the defending team retreats 3 metres in line with the Referee. If the tag contest does not have 2 pillars then, the tag count resets for the attacking team. Where the ruck is within 3 metres of the defending team's goal line, the defending team retreats only to its goal line, which becomes the offside line. The two pillars stay in position.

How the law can be broken

• The defending team does not have two pillars in position at the tagged player. • A pillar plays at the ball or retrieves it. • A pillar interferes with the player cleaning out or picking up. • Pillars leave before the halfback plays the ball. • A defender is closer than 3 metres to the ruck.

Sanction

Where two pillars are not in position, the tag count restarts. Where a pillar plays at the ball, interferes with the clean out or leaves early, a Penalty Kick is awarded to the attacking team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 5. Replaces the tackle contest numbers in the XV law set.

Ruck – Junior Variations

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Once the ball has been placed at the ruck, the player acting as halfback must not run with the ball and must pass. No attacking player may pick up and run from the ruck. There is no jackal. Possession can only be won through the clean out turnover, the tag count or an infringement.

How the law can be broken

• The player acting as halfback runs with the ball from the ruck. • An attacking player picks up and runs from the ruck.

Sanction

Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

No World Rugby Law equivalent. Rugby Australia junior specific modifications, adapted from the XV Tackle/Ruck – Junior Variations row.

Obstruction

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A player must not prevent an opponent from making a tag. An attacker must not run behind a teammate to cause an obstruction, and an attacking player in front of the ruck must not take part in the next play.

How the law can be broken

• An attacker runs behind a teammate to block a defender. • An attacking player in front of the ruck takes part in play. • A player without the ball is obstructed or tagged.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.2 (obstruction), with the tag specific provisions from the Tri Tag rule book, Sections 6 and 10.

Voluntary Tag and Surrender

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A ball carrier must not place the ball with both side tags attached, remove their own tag, or give up and stop attacking.

How the law can be broken

• The ball carrier places the ball with both side tags attached. • The ball carrier removes their own tag. • The ball carrier surrenders rather than attacking.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. Awarded to the defending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 6.

Diving and Aerial Contest

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A player may only dive to ground the ball where no opponent is within 3 metres. There are no aerial contests; where a defender is under a kick the referee calls defenders ball and attackers stay 3 metres away.

How the law can be broken

• A player dives for the ball with an opponent within 3 metres. • A kick chaser dives on or slides towards the ball. • An attacker contests a ball a defender is positioned under.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. A try is disallowed where the dive was illegal.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 4 and 7.

Tag Count

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The attacking team has seven tags. After the seventh tag possession changes over at the point the seventh tag was made, and the new attacking team restarts with a tap. Where the defending team does not have two pillars in position at the tagged player, the tag count restarts at zero. The tag count also restarts at zero when a defender touches the ball and the attacking team regains it, and when a Penalty Kick or Free Kick is awarded to the attacking team. An interception starts a new tag count for the new attacking team.

How the law can be broken

• The defending team does not have two pillars in position at the tagged player. • Not otherwise an offence. The seventh tag changeover is recorded here so the restart sits with every other restart.

Sanction

Where two pillars are not in position, the tag count restarts at zero. The tag count also restarts at zero when a defender touches the ball and the attacking team regains it, or a Penalty Kick or Free Kick is awarded to the attacking team.

Restart post-sanction

After the seventh tag: changeover at the point the seventh tag was made, under the age group restart: Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

No World Rugby Law equivalent.

Maul

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The maul is not permitted at any age group. A maul cannot form without contact between opponents. Where a defender holds or binds on a ball carrier, or attacking players bind on the ball carrier and drive into a defender, that act is contact and is penalised against the team that initiated it. The referee calls play on where no contact with an opponent has occurred, and the ball carrier continues or is tagged.

How the law can be broken

• Players bind on a ball carrier and drive. • A defender holds or binds on the ball carrier.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. Awarded against the team that initiated the contact.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 16 (Maul). Not applicable in this format.

Offside

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The offside line at the ruck is 3 metres back from the ruck, in line with the Referee. The two pillars are exempt while in position. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it. This applies for a scrum also. Where the ruck is within 3 metres of the defending team's goal line, the defending team retreats only to its goal line, which becomes the offside line. The two pillars stay in position.

How the law can be broken

• A defending player moves forward before an attempt has been made to catch the ball following a pass from the ruck, a tap kick or a scrum. • A defending player other than the two pillars is closer than 3 metres to the ruck.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Offside lines are defined within each phase law: Law 10 (general play), Law 19 (scrum) and Law 18 (lineout). The tackle and ruck offside line is replaced by the defensive line at the ruck.

Kicking (General Play)

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Kicking the ball during general play is not permitted at U9&10.

How the law can be broken

• Any player kicks the ball during general play, whether a punt, grubber, drop kick, chip kick, or any deliberate contact with the foot that propels the ball.

Sanction

Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

No World Rugby Law equivalent. These are Rugby Australia junior specific modifications.

Scrum – Engagement

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The scrum must be engaged and stable. No deliberate push is permitted. The hooker must strike for the ball with their foot. The team feeding the ball must win the scrum. The defending hooker must not strike for the ball.

How the law can be broken

• A prop does not crouch, bind and set correctly before engagement. • The scrum is not stable at engagement. • The defending hooker strikes for the ball.

Sanction

Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19 (Scrum), engagement sequence at 19.10 to 19.12.

Scrum – Push

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The scrum must be engaged and stable. No deliberate push is permitted.

How the law can be broken

• A team deliberately pushes the scrum. • Any forceful contact at the scrum.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. This is a safety offence.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19 (Scrum); players must push straight per Law 19.19. World Rugby Law does not cap push distance. The cap is a Rugby Australia junior specific safety modification.

Scrum – Binds

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Crutch binding is allowed in all junior and youth age groups. Any team may choose to waist bind, but the opposition may continue to crutch bind. Within your own team, either crutch or waist bind must be used. All other binding requirements are as per World Rugby Law.

How the law can be broken

• A player binds other than by the crutch or the waist of the opponent. • Players within the same team do not use the same bind. • A player drops or releases their bind before the ball leaves the scrum. • Elbows are not maintained in an upward position during the bind. • A player binds with only one arm rather than a full two arm bind.

Sanction

Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.7 and 19.11 (scrum binding requirements).

Scrum – Ball Use

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The halfback must pass the ball to the first receiver from the back of the scrum. No scrum moves are permitted.

How the law can be broken

• The halfback runs with the ball rather than passing to the first receiver. The halfback may take half a step to generate the power needed to pass. • A forward picks up the ball from the back of the scrum instead of the halfback.

Sanction

Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.36(b): a scrum ends when the ball reaches the hindmost player's feet and is picked up by that player or played by the scrum half.

Scrum – Crooked Feed

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The ball is fed from the left hand side of the scrum and thrown down the middle of the tunnel so the hooker can strike for it. There is no contest for the ball at this age group; the feeding team wins the scrum. Where the feed is not straight, play continues and the Referee speaks to the halfback at the next scrum.

How the law can be broken

• The halfback does not feed the ball down the middle of the tunnel.

Sanction

Play on. The Referee speaks to the halfback at the next scrum.

Restart post-sanction

Play continues.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.15(f): the ball must be thrown straight down the middle of the tunnel.

Scrum – Offside Line

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

5 metres from the last feet. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball by the first receiver from the scrum. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it. The defending halfback must start at the mid point of the scrum, where the ball is fed. The ball must be fed from the left hand side of the scrum for the attacking team.

How the law can be broken

• A defending player advances beyond the 5m offside line before an attempt has been made to catch the ball. • A defending forward breaks away from the scrum before the ball exits. • An attacking back who is not the halfback positions in front of the back feet of the scrum. • The defending halfback does not start at the mid point of the scrum.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.27 to 19.33 (offside at a scrum).

Lineout – Safety

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Not applicable. There is no formed lineout, no jumping and no lifting at U9&10.

How the law can be broken

Not applicable

Sanction

Not applicable

Restart post-sanction

Not applicable

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.19 and 18.29(c) (lifting or supporting a jumper).

Lineout – Skill Execution

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

On a throw from touch, the player from the team not in possession when the ball crossed touch must pass to a teammate, and that pass must travel a minimum of 2m infield.

How the law can be broken

• The pass travels less than 2m infield from the line of touch. • The pass is not directed to a teammate, instead being thrown into open space or towards an opponent. • A different ball is used. It must be the same ball that went into touch.

Sanction

Re-throw. No change of possession.

Restart post-sanction

The throw is retaken from the same position under the same set up. If the throw is not straight, play on and the Referee speaks to the player at the next throw.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18 (lineout) generally, and Law 18.23 (the throw must be straight).

Lineout – Ball Use

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The player must pass the ball into the field of play to a teammate, who may then run or pass.

How the law can be broken

• The player fails to pass the ball infield to a teammate, including throwing to themselves. • The pass is directed out of the field of play rather than infield.

Sanction

Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not separately codified. Governed by general lineout play under Law 18.

Lineout – Offside Line

U9&10
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

5 metres. The defending team may advance once the ball is in the hands of the first receiver from the pass taken from the sideline player within the field of play. Defenders and attackers each stand 5m back from the line of touch.

How the law can be broken

• A defending player advances beyond the 5m mark before the ball is in the hands of the first receiver from the pass taken from the sideline player within the field of play.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance. If the ball goes backwards or is knocked on, the defending team may make an effort to gather it.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.30 to 18.32 (offside at a lineout).

Sanctionable laws for U11&12. Each card sets out the Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law, how it can be broken, the sanction that follows, and how play restarts.

Tag (replaces Tackle)

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A ball carrier is halted when a defender detaches one or both side tags. The third tag, worn at the back, does not halt a ball carrier. There is no tackle and no contact of any kind is permitted. If the back tag is removed by accident, the referee calls play on. If a side tag comes off without being pulled by a defender, it is treated as a tag. The ball carrier is halted where the tag came off and the tag is counted. A ball carrier who removes their own tag is dealt with under Voluntary Tag and Surrender.

How the law can be broken

• A defender makes contact rather than playing at the tag. • A defender holds the ball carrier, their tag or their uniform longer than necessary. • A defender calls tag without detaching a tag (phantom tag). • Any tackle, grab or forceful contact by either team.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. Advantage is not played for foul play, except in the act of scoring a try, where a penalty try is awarded. Deliberate or repeated contact is foul play and is dealt with under the card framework for the age group.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Replaces World Rugby Law 14 (Tackle) and the tackle provisions of Law 9.13. Tri Tag rule book, Sections 1, 2 and 5.

Tag – Ball Carrier Evasion (replaces Fend / Palm)

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A ball carrier must not palm or fend, jump, spin through 360 degrees, bend forward to protect the tags, step into a defender, or touch their own tags while in possession.

How the law can be broken

• The ball carrier palms or fends a defender's hand away. • The ball carrier jumps or spins to avoid a tag. • The ball carrier bends forward over the tags or shields them with hands, arms or the ball. • The ball carrier touches their own tag while in possession. • The ball carrier fends a defender's hands away to prevent a tag.

Sanction

Fending a defender's hands away is a Penalty Kick to the defending team. Every other evasion offence is an automatic tag at the point the act occurred, and repeated offences are penalised.

Restart post-sanction

Fend: Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred. Any other evasion offence: an automatic tag at the point the act occurred. Play restarts from the ruck at that point and the tag is counted.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Replaces the hand off permitted by World Rugby Law 9.24. Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

Tag – Late and Pre Tag

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A tag detached after the ball is passed or kicked is a late tag. A tag detached before a player receives the ball is a pre tag. The attacking team may play on with one or no tags attached while advantage applies. This will be managed by the referee.

How the law can be broken

• A defender detaches a tag from a player who is not in possession. • A defender detaches a tag clearly after the ball has been passed or kicked.

Sanction

Advantage first. Where no advantage results, a Penalty Kick is awarded to the attacking team.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 5.

Tag – Ball Placement

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The tagged player returns to the point the first tag was detached if they have advanced beyond a reasonable distance, faces the direction they were running, and places the ball on the ground behind them. They may then reattach their tags. Tagged short of the try line: the tag halts the player where it happens. No try is awarded for reaching or momentum. The player places the ball at that point and a ruck forms. The attacking team may choose to take the ball back to the 5m line, in line with the point of the tag, and form the ruck there. No pass after the tag: once tagged, the player must stop, return to the mark and place the ball. The ball cannot be passed after the tag.

How the law can be broken

• The player fails to return to the mark. • The player does not face the direction they were running. • The ball is dropped forward or placed more than 3 metres behind. • The player rejoins the attack without reattaching their tags. • A player tagged short of the try line reaches or carries the ball over and grounds it. • The tagged player passes the ball after the tag.

Sanction

Changeover where the ball is lost forward or beyond 3 metres. Tag counted in other cases. Tagged short of the try line: no try. Play restarts with a ruck at the point of the tag (or the 5m line, at the attacking team's choice). Pass after the tag: turnover to the defending team at the point of the tag.

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts at the mark under the age group restart: Free kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly. Pass after the tag: turnover, and the game restarts with a tap at the point of the tag. Defenders retreat 10m. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

Ruck – Cleaning Out (replaces Tackle/Ruck – World Rugby Offences)

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A teammate removes the back tag and holds it above their head. The ruck is over once the halfback runs, passes or kicks. The player who cleaned out must guard the ruck and cannot receive the ball until the halfback has played it. The ruck must be cleaned out within five seconds. Possession turns over where the ruck is not cleaned out. If the back tag is not removed from the tagged player and held up, a turnover is awarded to the defending team at the point of the ruck. This replaces the jackal as the turnover route. The player who picks up from behind the ruck cannot be the player who was tagged or the player who cleaned out.

How the law can be broken

• The back tag is not removed and held up. • The ruck is not cleaned out within five seconds. • The halfback plays the ball before the ruck is cleaned out. • The player who cleaned out receives the ball before the halfback plays it. • The player who was tagged, or the player who cleaned out, picks up from behind the ruck.

Sanction

Turnover to the defending team at the point of the ruck.

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts at the point of the ruck under the age group restart: Free kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Replaces World Rugby Law 15 (Ruck). Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2, 6 and 7.

Ruck – Defending (replaces tackle contest numbers)

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Two pillars guard the ruck at all times, standing side by side, no more than 1 metre in front of the player who placed the ball and no more than 1 metre apart. The remainder of the defending team retreats 3 metres in line with the Referee. If the tag contest does not have 2 pillars then, the tag count resets for the attacking team. Where the ruck is within 3 metres of the defending team's goal line, the defending team retreats only to its goal line, which becomes the offside line. The two pillars stay in position.

How the law can be broken

• The defending team does not have two pillars in position at the tagged player. • A pillar plays at the ball or retrieves it. • A pillar interferes with the player cleaning out or picking up. • Pillars leave before the halfback plays the ball. • A defender is closer than 3 metres to the ruck.

Sanction

Where two pillars are not in position, the tag count restarts. Where a pillar plays at the ball, interferes with the clean out or leaves early, a Penalty Kick is awarded to the attacking team.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 5. Replaces the tackle contest numbers in the XV law set.

Obstruction

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A player must not prevent an opponent from making a tag. An attacker must not run behind a teammate to cause an obstruction, and an attacking player in front of the ruck must not take part in the next play.

How the law can be broken

• An attacker runs behind a teammate to block a defender. • An attacking player in front of the ruck takes part in play. • A player without the ball is obstructed or tagged.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.2 (obstruction), with the tag specific provisions from the Tri Tag rule book, Sections 6 and 10.

Voluntary Tag and Surrender

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A ball carrier must not place the ball with both side tags attached, remove their own tag, or give up and stop attacking.

How the law can be broken

• The ball carrier places the ball with both side tags attached. • The ball carrier removes their own tag. • The ball carrier surrenders rather than attacking.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. Awarded to the defending team.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 6.

Diving and Aerial Contest

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

A player may only dive to ground the ball where no opponent is within 3 metres. Aerial contests are allowed.

How the law can be broken

• A player dives for the ball with an opponent within 3 metres. • A kick chaser dives on or slides towards the ball.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. A try is disallowed where the dive was illegal.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 4 and 7.

Tag Count

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The attacking team has seven tags. After the seventh tag possession changes over at the point the seventh tag was made, and the new attacking team restarts with a tap. A kick may occur anytime during the tag count. Where the defending team does not have two pillars in position at the tagged player, the tag count restarts at zero. The tag count also restarts at zero when a defender touches the ball and the attacking team regains it, and when a Penalty Kick or Free Kick is awarded to the attacking team. Where the attacking team kicks and regathers the ball, the tag count carries on. An interception starts a new tag count for the new attacking team.

How the law can be broken

• The defending team does not have two pillars in position at the tagged player. • Not otherwise an offence. The seventh tag changeover is recorded here so the restart sits with every other restart.

Sanction

Where two pillars are not in position, the tag count restarts at zero. The tag count also restarts at zero when a defender touches the ball and the attacking team regains it, or a Penalty Kick or Free Kick is awarded to the attacking team.

Restart post-sanction

After the seventh tag: changeover at the point the seventh tag was made, under the age group restart: Free kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

No World Rugby Law equivalent.

Maul

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The maul is not permitted at any age group. A maul cannot form without contact between opponents. Where a defender holds or binds on a ball carrier, or attacking players bind on the ball carrier and drive into a defender, that act is contact and is penalised against the team that initiated it. The referee calls play on where no contact with an opponent has occurred, and the ball carrier continues or is tagged.

How the law can be broken

• Players bind on a ball carrier and drive. • A defender holds or binds on the ball carrier.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. Awarded against the team that initiated the contact.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 16 (Maul). Not applicable in this format.

Offside

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The offside line at the ruck is 3 metres back from the ruck, in line with the Referee. The two pillars are exempt while in position. In general play, the defending team may advance once the ball leaves the ruck, that is, once the halfback runs, passes or kicks. From a scrum, the defending team may advance once the halfback plays the ball, whether they pass, run or kick, or once the No.8 runs. From a lineout, the defending team must wait until the ball has been passed by the halfback and the first receiver has taken possession in the backline. Where the ruck is within 3 metres of the defending team's goal line, the defending team retreats only to its goal line, which becomes the offside line. The two pillars stay in position. From a kick in general play, World Rugby Law applies: a teammate in front of the kicker is offside and must not play the ball until put onside, and an offside player within 10 metres of an opponent waiting to catch the ball must retire.

How the law can be broken

• In general play, a defending player advances before the ball leaves the ruck. • From a scrum, a defending player advances before the halfback plays the ball or the No.8 runs. • From a lineout, a defending player advances before the ball is in the hands of the first receiver. • From a lineout, where the ball is not taken cleanly, a defending player advances before the ball carrier takes possession. • Defending players other than the two pillars who are in front of the defensive line are offside and must not participate in play. • From a kick in general play, an offside player plays the ball, or fails to retire when within 10 metres of an opponent waiting to catch it.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Offside lines are defined within each phase law: Law 14.10 (tackle), Law 15.4 (ruck), Law 16.4 (maul) and Law 18.30 to 18.32 (lineout). The tackle and ruck offside line is replaced by the defensive line at the ruck. Law 10 covers offside from a kick in general play.

Kicking (General Play)

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Kicking is permitted in general play. The 50/22 does not apply: where a kick from inside a team's own half goes indirectly into touch inside the opposition 22, the throw in is taken by the defending team under normal touch law. Drop goals are not permitted. There is no mark in Competition Tri Tag. A catch is simply a catch and play goes on. Opponents may compete for the ball or wait and tag the player who catches it.

How the law can be broken

• A player attempts a drop goal. • A player calls mark and stops play after catching a kick (no sanction; the call is ignored and play goes on).

Sanction

Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Free kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

No World Rugby Law equivalent. General play kicking is unrestricted in the senior game. This is a Rugby Australia junior specific modification only.

Scrum – Engagement

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The scrum must be engaged and stable. No deliberate push is permitted. The hooker must strike for the ball with their foot. The team feeding the ball must win the scrum. The defending hooker must not strike for the ball.

How the law can be broken

• A prop does not crouch, bind and set correctly before engagement. • The scrum is not stable at engagement. • The defending hooker strikes for the ball.

Sanction

Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Free kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19 (Scrum), engagement sequence at 19.10 to 19.12.

Scrum – Push

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The scrum must be engaged and stable. No deliberate push is permitted.

How the law can be broken

• A team deliberately pushes the scrum. • Any forceful contact at the scrum.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. This is a safety offence.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19 (Scrum); players must push straight per Law 19.19. World Rugby Law does not cap push distance. The cap is a Rugby Australia junior specific safety modification.

Scrum – Binds

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Crutch binding is allowed in all junior and youth age groups. Any team may choose to waist bind, but the opposition may continue to crutch bind. Within your own team, either crutch or waist bind must be used. All other binding requirements are as per World Rugby Law.

How the law can be broken

• A player binds other than by the crutch or the waist of the opponent. • Players within the same team do not use the same bind. • A player drops or releases their bind before the ball leaves the scrum. • Elbows are not maintained in an upward position during the bind. • A player binds with only one arm rather than a full two arm bind.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.7 and 19.11 (scrum binding requirements).

Scrum – Ball Use

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

From the back of the scrum the halfback or the No8 may play the ball, and either may pass, run or kick. No other player may lift the ball from the base of the scrum.

How the law can be broken

• A player other than the halfback or the No8 picks up the ball from the back of the scrum.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.36(b): a scrum ends when the ball reaches the hindmost player's feet and is picked up by that player or played by the scrum half.

Scrum – Use It Call

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The Referee calls “Use it!” when the ball has been clearly won by a team at the scrum and the ball is available. The team in possession then has 5 seconds to play the ball.

How the law can be broken

• The halfback or No.8 does not play the ball within 5 seconds of the “Use it!” call from the Referee.

Sanction

Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.36 and Law 15.16 (the use it call and the five second requirement).

Scrum – Crooked Feed

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The ball must be fed from the left hand side of the scrum, and fed so that it can be hooked back by the hooker.

How the law can be broken

• The halfback throws the ball not straight, directing it towards their own hooker's side rather than down the centre of the tunnel. • The ball fails to touch the ground first in the middle of the tunnel before the hooker plays it. • The ball is not hooked by the attacking hooker.

Sanction

Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Free kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.15(f): the ball must be thrown straight down the middle of the tunnel.

Scrum – Offside Line

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

5 metres from the last feet. The defending team may advance once the halfback plays the ball, whether they pass, run or kick, or once the No.8 runs. The defending halfback must start at the mid point of the scrum, where the ball is fed. The ball must be fed from the left hand side of the scrum. Once the ball is fed, the defending halfback must not move beyond the midpoint of the scrum.

How the law can be broken

• A defending player advances beyond the 5m offside line before the halfback plays the ball or the No.8 runs. • A defending forward breaks from the scrum before the ball is out. • The defending halfback does not start at the mid point of the scrum.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m. The tap is taken at the defending team's offside line.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.27 to 19.33 (offside at a scrum).

Lineout – Safety

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Only the attacking team may jump. Lifting is by the legs or shorts. The defending team must not compete for the ball. Any action by the offending team that makes a player unsafe is a Penalty Kick. The defending team must not make contact with the attacking team at the lineout. It is the defending team's responsibility to avoid contact. Intent is not considered.

How the law can be broken

• A defending player jumps, rises or attempts to compete for the ball. • A defending player contacts or interferes with an attacking jumper or their lifters. • Lifting occurs other than by the legs or shorts, for example by the body, jersey, arms above the shorts or thigh area, or from below the waist on the trunk. • A lifted player is not brought safely back to the ground after the ball has been played. • Any contact by a defending player on an attacking player at the lineout, whether or not it was intended.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.19 and 18.29(c) (lifting or supporting a jumper).

Lineout – Skill Execution

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The attacking team must make an attempt to complete the lineout skill of throw, jump and lift a player, and then either release the ball off the top or bring it down and pop. The front of the lineout is 3m in from the touch line. A Free Kick applies where the attacking team fails to attempt the skill. It does not apply to an honest attempt that fails.

How the law can be broken

• The attacking team makes no effort to jump and lift a player in the lineout. • The lineout is not completed, that is, the throw, jump and lift are not attempted. • The ball is thrown over the lineout. • Either team does not have the correct number of players in the lineout. Note: where the ball is not taken cleanly and goes forward, this is a knock on and the restart is a scrum, not a Free Kick.

Sanction

Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Free kick to the non-offending team at the back of where the lineout occurred. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18 (lineout) generally, and Law 18.23 (the throw must be straight).

Lineout – Ball Use

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The receiver (halfback) must pass the ball to the first receiver. Any player in the backline may be the first receiver.

How the law can be broken

• The receiver fails to pass to the first receiver. • The receiver runs with the ball rather than passing. A player may take a step to generate the power needed to pass.

Sanction

Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Free kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind of where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not separately codified. Governed by general lineout play under Law 18.

Lineout – Offside Line

U11&12
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

5 metres. The defending team must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver from the halfback. The halfback must receive the ball from the lineout and pass. Defenders and attackers each stand 5m back from the line of touch.

How the law can be broken

• A defending or attacking player advances beyond the 5m line from the line of touch before the ball is in the hands of the first receiver. • A lineout participant steps forward across the line of touch before the ball has been thrown in. • A lineout participant leaves the lineout, prior to the ball being into the hands of the first receiver.

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders retreat 10m. The tap is taken at the defending team's offside line.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.30 to 18.32 (offside at a lineout).

Game set up, restarts and management for U8. These are guidelines for coaches, managers and competition administrators rather than sanctionable laws.

Format Definition

Competition Tri Tag is the non-contact version of the junior XV game. Playing numbers, playing time, field size, ball size, scoring, cards, game balance and every welfare provision are the same as the junior XV law set. The tackle, the tackle contest, the ruck and the maul are replaced by the belt mechanic. It is based on the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws and World Rugby Law, adopted and adapted for Tri Tag Rugby. Where this law set does not cover a situation, the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws for the same age group apply. Where those are also silent, World Rugby Law applies.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law.

Playing Numbers

7 players on the field.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.1 sets the senior maximum at 15 players; Law 3.2 allows a match organiser to authorise matches with fewer.

On-Field Player Numbers

Teams must match numbers. Teams must share players to reach maximum playing numbers.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.1 to 3.2 (team numbers; a match organiser may authorise fewer than 15 players).

Minimum Numbers Required for a Game To Take Place

Minimum numbers for a game is 5 players per team.

Suggested Maximum Squad Size

10

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Squad size is an administrative and participation guideline, not set by the Laws of the Game.

Replacements

Unlimited movements. Replacements may occur at any stoppage in play, except at a Free Kick or Penalty. This is a Rugby Australia junior variation; under World Rugby Law replacements are made when the ball is dead.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.4 to 3.5 (match organiser decides replacement numbers). Law 3.34 caps rolling and tactical replacements at 12 where a match organiser permits them.

Playing Area

Quarter field: 33m wide x 35m long.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 1.3: senior field dimensions are a maximum of 100m x 70m (minimum 94m x 68m); Law 1.3(b) allows variations approved by the relevant union.

Ball Size

Size 3.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 2.3 to 2.4: the standard ball weighs 410 to 460g; smaller balls are explicitly permitted for matches between young players.

Playing Equipment and Belt Check

Every player wears an official three tag belt or approved apparel, with all three tags hanging freely and none falsely attached. The referee checks belts before the match and may prevent a player taking part where equipment is unsafe.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 3.

Recommended Playing Time

30 mins (2 x 15 min halves).

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 5.1 sets the senior maximum at 80 minutes (2 x 40); Law 5.3 allows the match organiser to reduce match length for non-international matches.

Maximum Warm-Up Time

15 mins.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. A match day logistics provision, not set by the Laws of the Game.

Maximum Playing Time within a Day

60 minutes

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. A player welfare load provision, not set by the Laws of the Game.

Injury Time

No injury time is played. This applies at every age group from U8 to U18.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 5.5(a): the referee may stop play for up to one minute for a player injury.

Scoring & Conversions

Try only. No conversions, penalty goals or field goals. Whether the score is recorded is a competition decision. Rugby Australia recommends the score is kept but is not published. The score must be known on the field by the Referee and the coaches so that the Game Balance Law can operate.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 8.1 sets senior points values (try 5, conversion 2, penalty goal 3, dropped goal 3). Restricting scoring at younger ages is a participation modification, not itself a Law variation.

Field Support – On-Field Coach

Each team has one on field coach, on the field for the full duration of every match across the season. The on field coach is present to guide players and to reinforce the decisions of the match official. They are a coach on the field, not a second referee. The on field coach may: - Give short, in the moment guidance to players of their own team, and to opposition players where it helps play continue safely. - Explain a match official's decision to players in language they understand, after the decision has been made. - Reposition players, prompt them into the correct formation, and help them get set for a restart. - Alert the match official to a safety concern at any time. The on field coach may not: - Overturn, reverse, question or debate a decision of the match official. - Award or signal any decision, sanction or score. - Direct play from within either team's defensive line, or interfere with the ball, players or space in a way that affects the contest. - Coach the opposition's tactics, or delay a restart to give instruction.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. On-field coaching is a junior development and participation provision, outside the Laws of the Game.

Contact Prohibition

No forceful contact at any point. A defender must not impede the ball carrier with their body, move into their path without playing at the tag, or hold a tag or the uniform longer than necessary. Accidental contact can occur.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2, 5 and 10.

Deliberate Contact

Deliberate contact by either team is foul play and is dealt with under the card framework for the age group, not as a technical offence.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9 (Foul Play).

Yellow Card

Player management by the Team Coach, Manager and the Referee. The player spends time on the sideline, during which the coach explains why they have been removed from play. The period is at the discretion of the coach and team officials. The player can be replaced.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.29 sets the senior sin bin period at 10 minutes. Reduced junior time penalties are a modification.

Red Card

Player management by the Team Coach, Manager and the Referee. The player spends time on the sideline, during which the coach explains why they have been removed from play. The period is at the discretion of the coach and team officials. The player can be replaced.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.30.

Blue Card

No Blue Card can be shown. Managed by the Referee in consultation with the on-field coach and the medic, first aid officer or trainer.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed under World Rugby Concussion Guidance and the RA Concussion Management Procedure.

Concussion Protocol (RA CMP)

The RA Concussion Management Procedure (CMP) applies to all rugby at all ages. No Blue Card is shown by the Referee at U8 to U12; the Referee Blue Card applies from U13 and older only. Any player with signs or symptoms of suspected concussion must leave the field immediately. No person (medic, first aid officer, trainer, coach or doctor) can override this. The player can be replaced. Graduated Return to Play: minimum 21 days for players aged 18 and under. Source: RA Concussion Management Procedure, australia.rugby/about/codes-and-policies/safety-and-welfare/concussion-management

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed under World Rugby Concussion Guidance (Regulation 10, Law 3.11) and Rugby Australia's Concussion Management Procedure (CMP).

Bleeding Player

A bleeding player leaves the field and must receive medical attention before rejoining.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 3.

Game Balance Law

Maximum points difference: 40 points. Once the threshold is reached the coach of the team that is losing chooses one of three options. Option 1 - Teams are mixed and players are shared Option 2 - Play continues. No changes to teams Option 3 - The game is ended. The Referee's own authority to stop play for safety reasons is unaffected and exists independently of this law. The score must be known on the field at every age group so that this law can operate.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. This is an RA specific mechanic with no World Rugby Law equivalent.

Mouthguards

Not mandatory under Rugby Australia law. The XV recommendation that all contact players wear a mouthguard does not extend to the tag contest because there is no tackle. Some competitions make them compulsory. Check local competition rules.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 4.3(f): a mouthguard is a permitted item of clothing. The senior Law does not mandate it.

Restart Positioning

Restart positioning. A restart must be taken no closer than 5m from the goal line, and no closer than 3m from the touch line. Where the mark falls outside these limits, the restart is taken at the nearest permissible point. This applies to every restart at U8.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.2 to 19.4 (the mark and position of the restart); Law 20 (penalty and free kick).

Kick Off & Restarts (after a try)

Tap and pass by the non-try-scoring team, taken on the middle of halfway. Defenders back 3m. Defenders may move once the ball is in the hands of the first receiver following a pass from the tap. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession. An incorrect tap is retaken.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 12.4 (restart after a score).

Penalty / Free Kick Options (general mechanic)

Tap and pass at the mark where the offence occurred, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. Defenders must wait until the ball is in the hands of the first receiver before moving up. If the ball is not taken cleanly, defenders must wait until the player takes possession. The restart must be no closer than 3m from the touch line and 5m from the goal line. This is the mechanic referenced by every sanction on the Sanctions tab. An incorrect tap is brought back and retaken correctly. Penalty Kicks and Free Kicks cannot be taken quickly. The Referee waits for the defending team to retreat before the tap is taken.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 20.3 to 20.4 (option of a scrum instead of a penalty or free kick), 20.8 (kick options), and 20.12 (the opposing team must retreat 10m).

Advantage

Advantage is not played for any foul play under World Rugby Law 9, except in the act of scoring a try, where a penalty try is awarded. Where foul play occurs, the Referee must immediately stop play and award the Penalty Kick to the non-offending team. Advantage is played in all other circumstances, including knock-ons and forward passes.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 7 (Advantage) permits advantage in the senior game. This junior modification removes advantage for all foul play under Law 9.

In-Goal Restart

No drop out. Tap 5m from the goal line to the defending team, taken in line with where the ball was made dead. Defending team back 3m. Tagged in goal: a ball carrier tagged in goal before grounding the ball does not score. No try is awarded and the defending team restarts with this tap.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 12.11 to 12.13 (22 metre and goal line drop outs).

50m / 22m Kick

Not applicable.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.8(a): where a kick from inside a team's own half goes indirectly into touch inside the opposition 22, the kicking team throws in.

Knock-On / Forward Pass Restart

Tap and pass to the non-offending team, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defending team 3m back from the mark. The restart must be no closer than 3m from the touch line and 5m from the goal line.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 11.1 to 11.2 (a knock on is sanctioned with a scrum); Law 19.1 sets out which team throws in.

Turnover Restart

Possession turns over where the ruck is not cleaned out, or after the seventh tag. The new attacking team restarts at the mark. This cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Tag specific restart.

Restart from Touch

There is no lineout at U8. Where the ball crosses the line of touch, play restarts with a tap and pass to the team not in possession, taken 3m in from the touch line. Defending team 3m back from the mark.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.3 to 18.16 (quick throw mechanics and forming a lineout).

Age Group Window

• Players turning 8 years of age in the calendar year can participate (actual age grade). There are no age grade dispensations in Competition Tri Tag. Any exception is managed through the Competition Rules.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

WR Player Welfare Guidelines, Age Differential Playing Guideline. Rugby Australia Tri Tag variation: age window only.

Gender Participation

Mixed gender. Boys and girls may be selected in the same team and play with and against each other. Rugby Australia Participation Policy starting position: males and females may participate in mixed gender rugby up to and including the calendar year (1 January to 31 December) in which they turn 12 years of age.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed by the Rugby Australia Participation Policy.

Gender Identity

Rugby Australia supports a player's participation in the gender competition with which they identify. Where the age group is played as mixed gender, dispensation is generally not engaged. Where a single gender competition is offered, the Gender Identity Dispensation Procedure applies.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed by the Rugby Australia Gender Identity Dispensation Procedure.

Game set up, restarts and management for U9&10. These are guidelines for coaches, managers and competition administrators rather than sanctionable laws.

Format Definition

Competition Tri Tag is the non-contact version of the junior XV game. Playing numbers, playing time, field size, ball size, scoring, cards, game balance and every welfare provision are the same as the junior XV law set. The tackle, the tackle contest, the ruck and the maul are replaced by the belt mechanic. It is based on the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws and World Rugby Law, adopted and adapted for Tri Tag Rugby. Where this law set does not cover a situation, the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws for the same age group apply. Where those are also silent, World Rugby Law applies.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law.

Playing Numbers

10 players on the field.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.1 sets the senior maximum at 15 players; Law 3.2 allows a match organiser to authorise matches with fewer.

On-Field Player Numbers

Teams must match numbers. Teams must share players to reach maximum playing numbers.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.1 to 3.2 (team numbers; a match organiser may authorise fewer than 15 players).

Minimum Numbers Required for a Game To Take Place

Minimum numbers for a game is 7 players per team - 3x person scrum If 8 players per team - 3x person scrum If 9 players per team - 5x person scrum

Suggested Maximum Squad Size

13

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Squad size is an administrative and participation guideline, not set by the Laws of the Game.

Replacements

Unlimited movements. Replacements may occur at any stoppage in play, except at a Free Kick or Penalty. This is a Rugby Australia junior variation; under World Rugby Law replacements are made when the ball is dead.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.4 to 3.5 (match organiser decides replacement numbers). Law 3.34 caps rolling and tactical replacements at 12 where a match organiser permits them.

Playing Area

Half field: 35m wide x 60m long.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 1.3: senior field dimensions are a maximum of 100m x 70m (minimum 94m x 68m); Law 1.3(b) allows variations approved by the relevant union.

Ball Size

Size 3.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 2.3 to 2.4: the standard ball weighs 410 to 460g; smaller balls are explicitly permitted for matches between young players.

Playing Equipment and Belt Check

Every player wears an official three tag belt or approved apparel, with all three tags hanging freely and none falsely attached. The referee checks belts before the match and may prevent a player taking part where equipment is unsafe.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 3.

Recommended Playing Time

40 mins (2 x 20 min halves).

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 5.1 sets the senior maximum at 80 minutes (2 x 40); Law 5.3 allows the match organiser to reduce match length for non-international matches.

Maximum Warm-Up Time

20 mins.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. A match day logistics provision, not set by the Laws of the Game.

Maximum Playing Time within a Day

90 minutes

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. A player welfare load provision, not set by the Laws of the Game.

Injury Time

No injury time is played. This applies at every age group from U8 to U18.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 5.5(a): the referee may stop play for up to one minute for a player injury.

Scoring & Conversions

Try only. No conversions, penalty goals or field goals. Whether the score is recorded is a competition decision. Rugby Australia recommends the score is kept but is not published. The score must be known on the field by the Referee and the coaches so that the Game Balance Law can operate.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 8.1 sets senior points values (try 5, conversion 2, penalty goal 3, dropped goal 3). Restricting scoring at younger ages is a participation modification, not itself a Law variation.

Field Support – On-Field Coach

Each team has one on field coach, on the field for the full duration of every match across the season. The on field coach is present to guide players and to reinforce the decisions of the match official. They are a coach on the field, not a second referee. The on field coach may: - Give short, in the moment guidance to players of their own team, and to opposition players where it helps play continue safely. - Explain a match official's decision to players in language they understand, after the decision has been made. - Reposition players, prompt them into the correct formation, and help them get set for a restart. - Alert the match official to a safety concern at any time. The on field coach may not: - Overturn, reverse, question or debate a decision of the match official. - Award or signal any decision, sanction or score. - Direct play from within either team's defensive line, or interfere with the ball, players or space in a way that affects the contest. - Coach the opposition's tactics, or delay a restart to give instruction.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. On-field coaching is a junior development and participation provision, outside the Laws of the Game.

Contact Prohibition

No forceful contact at any point. A defender must not impede the ball carrier with their body, move into their path without playing at the tag, or hold a tag or the uniform longer than necessary. Accidental contact can occur.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2, 5 and 10.

Deliberate Contact

Deliberate contact by either team is foul play and is dealt with under the card framework for the age group, not as a technical offence.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9 (Foul Play).

Yellow Card

Player management by the Team Coach and the Referee. The player spends time on the sideline, during which the coach explains why they have been removed from play. The period is at the discretion of the coach and team officials. The player can be replaced. Cards are not recorded in Rugby Xplorer at this age group.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.29 sets the senior sin bin period at 10 minutes. Reduced junior time penalties are a modification.

Red Card

Player management by the Team Coach and the Referee. The player spends time on the sideline, during which the coach explains why they have been removed from play. The period is at the discretion of the coach and team officials. The player can be replaced. Cards are not recorded in Rugby Xplorer at this age group. Red cards are rare at this age group.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.30.

Blue Card

No Blue Card can be shown. Managed by the Referee in consultation with the on-field coach and the medic, first aid officer or trainer.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed under World Rugby Concussion Guidance and the RA Concussion Management Procedure.

Concussion Protocol (RA CMP)

The RA Concussion Management Procedure (CMP) applies to all rugby at all ages. No Blue Card is shown by the Referee at U8 to U12; the Referee Blue Card applies from U13 and older only. Any player with signs or symptoms of suspected concussion must leave the field immediately. No person (medic, first aid officer, trainer, coach or doctor) can override this. The player can be replaced. Graduated Return to Play: minimum 21 days for players aged 18 and under. Source: RA Concussion Management Procedure, australia.rugby/about/codes-and-policies/safety-and-welfare/concussion-management

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed under World Rugby Concussion Guidance (Regulation 10, Law 3.11) and Rugby Australia's Concussion Management Procedure (CMP).

Bleeding Player

A bleeding player leaves the field and must receive medical attention before rejoining.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 3.

Game Balance Law

Maximum points difference: 50 points. Once the threshold is reached the coach of the team that is losing chooses one of three options. Option 1 - Teams are mixed and players are shared Option 2 - Play continues. No changes to teams Option 3 - The game is ended. The Referee's own authority to stop play for safety reasons is unaffected and exists independently of this law. The score must be known on the field at every age group so that this law can operate.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. This is an RA specific mechanic with no World Rugby Law equivalent.

Mouthguards

Not mandatory under Rugby Australia law. The XV recommendation that all contact players wear a mouthguard does not extend to the tag contest because there is no tackle. Some competitions make them compulsory. Check local competition rules.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 4.3(f): a mouthguard is a permitted item of clothing. The senior Law does not mandate it.

Restart Positioning

Restart positioning. A restart must be taken no closer than 5m from the goal line, and no closer than 3m from the touch line. The 3m touch line minimum does not apply to a restart taken from touch, which is taken on the line of touch. Where the mark falls outside these limits, the restart is taken at the nearest permissible point. This applies to every restart that is not a set piece. Scrums are set at the mark under World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.2 to 19.4 (the mark and position of the scrum); Law 20 (penalty and free kick).

Kick Off & Restarts (after a try)

Drop kick by the try-scoring team from the halfway point. A drop kick must be attempted. The defending team must start 5m back from the point the ball is kicked from. Once the ball is kicked, the defending team may advance in line with the Referee. The receiving team must take possession of the ball. Where the ball is kicked dead, the receiving team restarts with a tap on the halfway point, defenders back 5m. A second attempt may be permitted at the Referee's discretion.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 12.4 (restart after a score).

Penalty / Free Kick Options (general mechanic)

Tap and pass, taken in line with or behind the mark. Defenders back 5m. Defenders must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball. The restart must be no closer than 3m from the touch line and 5m from the goal line. This is the mechanic referenced by every sanction on the Sanctions tab. An incorrect tap is brought back and retaken correctly. Penalty Kicks and Free Kicks cannot be taken quickly. The Referee waits for the defending team to retreat before the tap is taken.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 20.3 to 20.4 (option of a scrum instead of a penalty or free kick), 20.8 (kick options), and 20.12 (the opposing team must retreat 10m).

Advantage

Advantage is not played for any foul play under World Rugby Law 9, except in the act of scoring a try, where a penalty try is awarded. Where foul play occurs, the Referee must immediately stop play and award the Penalty Kick to the non-offending team. Advantage is played in all other circumstances, including knock-ons and forward passes.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 7 (Advantage) permits advantage in the senior game. This junior modification removes advantage for all foul play under Law 9.

In-Goal Restart

No drop out. Tap 5m from the goal line to the team not in possession when the ball was taken into the in-goal, taken in line with where the ball was made dead. Defenders back 5m. Tagged in goal: a ball carrier tagged in goal before grounding the ball does not score. No try is awarded and the defending team restarts with this tap.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 12.11 to 12.13 (22 metre and try line drop outs).

50m / 22m Kick

Not applicable.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.8(a): where a kick from inside a team's own half goes indirectly into touch inside the opposition 22, the kicking team throws in.

Knock-On / Forward Pass Restart

Scrum, with the team not in possession at the time of the knock on or forward pass throwing the ball in. The scrum is set at the mark under World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 11.1 to 11.2 (a knock on is sanctioned with a scrum); Law 19.1 sets out which team throws in.

Turnover Restart

Possession turns over where the ruck is not cleaned out, or after the seventh tag. The new attacking team restarts at the mark. This cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Tag specific restart.

Scrum – Set-Up / Numbers

5 players per team: 2 props, 1 hooker, 2 second rowers. Teams must have 5 players in the scrum.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.5 to 19.6 (8 players in the senior game; reduced for teams of fewer than 15, to a minimum of 5).

Scrum – Players Removed for Card

Teams must have 5 players in the scrum at all times. Not applicable. The scrum is uncontested at this age group.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.15 to 3.20 (uncontested scrums following a card or injury).

Scrum – May Day

The scrum is engaged and stable with no deliberate push. May Day needs to be taught from U9 onwards.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. A scrum safety procedure.

Lineout – Set-Up / Numbers

There is no formed lineout at U9&10. One player from the team not in possession when the ball crossed touch throws in from the line of touch and must pass to a teammate. The pass must travel a minimum of 2m infield. The throw cannot be closer than 5m from the goal line.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.3 to 18.16 (quick throw mechanics and forming a lineout).

Age Group Window

• U9: Players turning 8 or 9 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). • U10: Players turning 9 or 10 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). There are no age grade dispensations in Competition Tri Tag. Any exception is managed through the Competition Rules.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

WR Player Welfare Guidelines, Age Differential Playing Guideline. Rugby Australia Tri Tag variation: age window only.

Gender Participation

Mixed gender. Boys and girls may be selected in the same team and play with and against each other. Rugby Australia Participation Policy starting position: males and females may participate in mixed gender rugby up to and including the calendar year (1 January to 31 December) in which they turn 12 years of age.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed by the Rugby Australia Participation Policy.

Gender Identity

Rugby Australia supports a player's participation in the gender competition with which they identify. Where the age group is played as mixed gender, dispensation is generally not engaged. Where a single gender competition is offered, the Gender Identity Dispensation Procedure applies.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed by the Rugby Australia Gender Identity Dispensation Procedure.

Game set up, restarts and management for U11&12. These are guidelines for coaches, managers and competition administrators rather than sanctionable laws.

Format Definition

Competition Tri Tag is the non-contact version of the junior XV game. Playing numbers, playing time, field size, ball size, scoring, cards, game balance and every welfare provision are the same as the junior XV law set. The tackle, the tackle contest, the ruck and the maul are replaced by the belt mechanic. It is based on the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws and World Rugby Law, adopted and adapted for Tri Tag Rugby. Where this law set does not cover a situation, the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws for the same age group apply. Where those are also silent, World Rugby Law applies.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law.

Playing Numbers

12 players on the field.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.1 sets the senior maximum at 15 players; Law 3.2 allows a match organiser to authorise matches with fewer.

On-Field Player Numbers

Teams must match numbers and share players to reach maximum playing numbers, except where a team is observing a Yellow Card or Red Card sanction.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.1 to 3.2 (team numbers; a match organiser may authorise fewer than 15 players).

Minimum Numbers Required for a Game To Take Place

Minimum numbers for a game is 10 players per team. 6 person scrum (front row, second row and No8). The scrum must always have 6 players.

Suggested Maximum Squad Size

17

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Squad size is an administrative and participation guideline, not set by the Laws of the Game.

Replacements

Unlimited movements. Replacements may occur at any stoppage in play, except at a Free Kick or Penalty. This is a Rugby Australia junior variation; under World Rugby Law replacements are made when the ball is dead.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.4 to 3.5 (match organiser decides replacement numbers). Law 3.34 caps rolling and tactical replacements at 12 where a match organiser permits them.

Playing Area

Full field less 10m; the field comes in to the 5m line on each side.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 1.3: senior field dimensions are a maximum of 100m x 70m (minimum 94m x 68m); Law 1.3(b) allows variations approved by the relevant union.

Ball Size

Size 4.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 2.3 to 2.4: the standard ball weighs 410 to 460g; smaller balls are explicitly permitted for matches between young players.

Playing Equipment and Belt Check

Every player wears an official three tag belt or approved apparel, with all three tags hanging freely and none falsely attached. The referee checks belts before the match and may prevent a player taking part where equipment is unsafe.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 3.

Recommended Playing Time

50 mins (2 x 25 min halves).

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 5.1 sets the senior maximum at 80 minutes (2 x 40); Law 5.3 allows the match organiser to reduce match length for non-international matches.

Maximum Warm-Up Time

25 mins.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. A match day logistics provision, not set by the Laws of the Game.

Maximum Playing Time within a Day

90 minutes

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. A player welfare load provision, not set by the Laws of the Game.

Injury Time

No injury time is played. This applies at every age group from U8 to U18.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 5.5(a): the referee may stop play for up to one minute for a player injury.

Scoring & Conversions

Try and conversion. The conversion may be taken by drop kick or place kick. No penalty goals or field goals. Where a try is scored outside the 15m line, the ball is placed on the 15m line for the conversion attempt.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 8.1 sets senior points values (try 5, conversion 2, penalty goal 3, dropped goal 3). Restricting scoring at younger ages is a participation modification, not itself a Law variation.

Field Support – On-Field Coach

No on-field coach. This is where on-field coaching stops; it is present at U8 to U10 and not from U11 onward. It is recommended that the coach stands behind the player's bench, inside the field enclosure.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. On-field coaching is a junior development and participation provision, outside the Laws of the Game.

Contact Prohibition

No forceful contact at any point. A defender must not impede the ball carrier with their body, move into their path without playing at the tag, or hold a tag or the uniform longer than necessary. Accidental contact can occur.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2, 5 and 10.

Deliberate Contact

Deliberate contact by either team is foul play and is dealt with under the card framework for the age group, not as a technical offence.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9 (Foul Play).

Yellow Card

5 minutes of actual game time. The player cannot be replaced. The player or a replacement player may take the field once the 5 minute period expires. The 5 minutes is actual game time. All Yellow Cards must be recorded in Rugby Xplorer.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.29 sets the senior sin bin period at 10 minutes. Reduced junior time penalties are a modification.

Red Card

Any player shown a Red Card is immediately suspended until they attend a judicial hearing. The red carded player cannot return. A replacement player may take the field after 10 minutes of playing time. The 10mins is actual game time. All Red Cards must be recorded in Rugby Xplorer.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.30.

Blue Card

No Blue Card can be shown. Managed by the Referee in consultation with the team coach from the sideline and the medic, first aid officer or trainer. There is no on-field coach at this age group. The Referee Blue Card applies from U13 and older only.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed under World Rugby Concussion Guidance and the RA Concussion Management Procedure.

Concussion Protocol (RA CMP)

The RA Concussion Management Procedure (CMP) applies to all rugby at all ages. No Blue Card is shown by the Referee at U8 to U12; the Referee Blue Card applies from U13 and older only. Any player with signs or symptoms of suspected concussion must leave the field immediately. No person (medic, first aid officer, trainer, coach or doctor) can override this. The player can be replaced. Graduated Return to Play: minimum 21 days for players aged 18 and under. Source: RA Concussion Management Procedure, australia.rugby/about/codes-and-policies/safety-and-welfare/concussion-management

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed under World Rugby Concussion Guidance (Regulation 10, Law 3.11) and Rugby Australia's Concussion Management Procedure (CMP).

Bleeding Player

A bleeding player leaves the field and must receive medical attention before rejoining.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 3.

Game Balance Law

Maximum points difference: 60 points. Once the threshold is reached the coach of the team that is losing chooses one of three options. Option 1 - Teams are mixed and players are shared Option 2 - Play continues. No changes to teams Option 3 - The game is ended. The Referee's own authority to stop play for safety reasons is unaffected and exists independently of this law. The score must be known on the field at every age group so that this law can operate.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. This is an RA specific mechanic with no World Rugby Law equivalent.

Mouthguards

Not mandatory under Rugby Australia law. The XV recommendation that all contact players wear a mouthguard does not extend to the tag contest because there is no tackle. Some competitions make them compulsory. Check local competition rules.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 4.3(f): a mouthguard is a permitted item of clothing. The senior Law does not mandate it.

Restart Positioning

Not applicable. The scrum mark is 5m from the touch line and 5m from the goal line under World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.2 to 19.4 (the mark and position of the scrum).

Kick Off & Restarts (after a try)

Drop kick by the try-scoring team. Defenders back 10m. If the ball goes dead in goal or over the sideline on the full, play restarts on halfway. A contest for possession is permitted Players must stay on their feet; the diving law applies, so no player may dive on or slide towards a loose ball.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 12.4 (restart after a score).

Penalty / Free Kick Options (general mechanic)

Penalty Kick: the non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt. Defenders back 10m. Free Kick: tap only. The scrum option is not available at a Free Kick. Defenders back 10m. An incorrect tap is brought back and retaken correctly. Penalty Kicks and Free Kicks may be taken quickly, as per World Rugby Law. Turnover restarts cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 20.3 to 20.4 (option of a scrum instead of a penalty or free kick), 20.8 (kick options), and 20.12 (the opposing team must retreat 10m).

Advantage

Advantage is not played for any foul play under World Rugby Law 9, except in the act of scoring a try, where a penalty try is awarded. Where foul play occurs, the Referee must immediately stop play and award the Penalty Kick to the non-offending team. Advantage is played in all other circumstances, including knock-ons and forward passes.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 7 (Advantage) permits advantage in the senior game. This junior modification restricts it for dangerous play and misconduct only.

In-Goal Restart

If the attacking team places the ball in goal and it is grounded or made dead by the defending team or an attacking player is tagged in goal before grounding the ball (no try): tap to the defending team on the 22m line. If the defending team places the ball in goal and then defending team grounds the ball in their own in-goal: 5m scrum to the attacking team. If the attacking team kicks the ball into the in-goal and it is grounded or made dead by the defending team, or goes dead: tap to the defending team on the 22m line. The 2027 World Rugby goal line drop out is not adopted at U11&12. It applies from U13 upward.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 12.11 to 12.13 (22 metre and try line drop outs).

50m / 22m Kick

Not permitted.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.8(a): where a kick from inside a team's own half goes indirectly into touch inside the opposition 22, the kicking team throws in.

Knock-On / Forward Pass Restart

Scrum, to the team not in possession at the time of the knock on or forward pass throwing the ball in. The scrum is set at the mark under World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 11.1 to 11.2 (a knock on is sanctioned with a scrum); Law 19.1 sets out which team throws in.

Turnover Restart

Possession turns over where the ruck is not cleaned out, or after the seventh tag. The new attacking team restarts at the mark. This cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Tag specific restart.

Scrum – Set-Up / Numbers

6 players per team: 2 props, 1 hooker and 2 second rowers and a No8 with 6 players in the scrum at all times. The scrum must be engaged and stable with crouch, bind, set. No deliberate push is permitted. The hooker strikes for the ball with their foot and the team feeding the ball must win the scrum.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.5 to 19.6 (8 players in the senior game; reduced for teams of fewer than 15, to a minimum of 5).

Scrum – Players Removed for Card

Not applicable. The scrum is never contested in Competition Tri Tag, so uncontested scrum orders do not apply. Teams keep six in the scrum and take any reduction from the backline.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.15 to 3.20 (uncontested scrums following a card or injury).

Scrum – May Day

Players must know the May Day procedure.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. A scrum safety procedure.

Lineout – Set-Up / Numbers

6 players per team, plus a receiver (halfback) who is additional to the six. Attacking: 1 thrower and 5 lineout participants. Defending: 1 hooker in the channel and 5 lineout participants. The front of the lineout is 3m in from the touch line. The lineout cannot be closer than 5m from the goal line. There is no quick throw in. Every throw in is a formed lineout. A quick throw in taken anyway is brought back and retaken as a formed lineout, with no sanction.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.3 to 18.16 (quick throw mechanics and forming a lineout).

Lineout – Lifting

Only the attacking team may jump. Lifting is by the legs or shorts. The defending team must not compete for the ball. The attacking team must make an effort to jump and lift a player.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.19 and 18.29(c) (lifting or supporting a jumper).

Lineout – Players Removed for Card

Teams must match numbers in the lineout at all times, in order to create space on the field. Where a team is reduced by a card, both teams match the reduced number. The lineout is contested with equal numbers. The card takes effect in the backline, where the non-offending team has one additional player.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.13 to 18.14 (the non-throwing team cannot have more players in the lineout than the throwing team).

Age Group Window

• U11: Players turning 10 or 11 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). • U12: Players turning 11 or 12 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). There are no age grade dispensations in Competition Tri Tag. Any exception is managed through the Competition Rules.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

WR Player Welfare Guidelines, Age Differential Playing Guideline. Rugby Australia Tri Tag variation: age window only.

Gender Participation

Mixed gender. Boys and girls may be selected in the same team and play with and against each other. This is the last age band in which mixed gender is the starting position. Eligibility runs to the end of the calendar year in which a player turns 12.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed by the Rugby Australia Participation Policy.

Gender Identity

Rugby Australia supports a player's participation in the gender competition with which they identify. Where the age group is played as mixed gender, dispensation is generally not engaged. Where a single gender competition is offered, the Gender Identity Dispensation Procedure applies.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed by the Rugby Australia Gender Identity Dispensation Procedure.

Rugby Australia Competition Tri Tag Rugby Laws 2027Where a law is not varied here, World Rugby Law applies.