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Junior Tournament Tri Tag Rugby Laws

What it is

A single event, held on one day or consecutive days, in which teams play a condensed schedule of matches to determine placings at that event. Results do not accumulate beyond the event, though the event may qualify teams for another event.

Examples

  • A state schools Tri Tag Rugby championship held over two days with pools, then Cup and Plate finals.
  • A one day club carnival where visiting teams play pool matches and a final for a trophy.
  • A school zone day where the winning team qualifies for the regional carnival.
  • A regional sports carnival that includes a Tri Tag Rugby event with medals for the top three.
  • A national or state junior Tri Tag Rugby championship hosted by an MU.

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

Tag (replaces Tackle)

U8
Rugby Australia tournament 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 applied as set out in the Advantage row on the Management tab. 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. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament 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. The tap cannot be taken quickly. 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament 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. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Section 5.

Tag – Ball Placement

U8
Rugby Australia tournament 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 with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly. Pass after the tag: at the Referee's discretion.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

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

U8
Rugby Australia tournament 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 with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Ruck – Defending (replaces tackle contest numbers)

U8
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Ruck – Junior Variations

U8
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Obstruction

U8
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament 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. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Section 6.

Diving and Aerial Contest

U8
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 4 and 7.

Tag Count

U8
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The new attacking team restarts with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 3m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

No World Rugby Law equivalent.

Maul

U8
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Offside – Ruck

U8
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament 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. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 12 (kick off and restart kicks) as varied for Sevens. Junior offside distances are a Rugby Australia variation.

Kicking (General Play)

U8
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 20.8 as varied by Sevens Variation 20.8: a kicker may punt or drop kick but may not place kick.

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

Tag (replaces Tackle)

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament 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 applied as set out in the Advantage row on the Management tab. 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly. 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Section 5.

Tag – Ball Placement

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament 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 with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly. Pass after the tag: at the Referee's discretion.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

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

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament 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 with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Obstruction

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Section 6.

Diving and Aerial Contest

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 4 and 7.

Tag Count

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The new attacking team restarts with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 5m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

No World Rugby Law equivalent.

Maul

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Offside

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 20.8 as varied by Sevens Variation 20.8: a kicker may punt or drop kick but may not place kick.

Scrum – Engagement

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The scrum must be engaged and stable with crouch, bind, set. 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. The scrum is 3 players per team: 2 props and a hooker. There is no time limit to form the scrum at this age group.

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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19 (Scrum) engagement sequence at 19.10 to 19.12. Sevens Variation 19.4 sets a 15 second formation time; it does not apply at this age group.

Scrum – Push

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The scrum is uncontested. 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.19. Rugby Australia Tri Tag variation: every scrum is uncontested, so no push is permitted.

Scrum – Binds

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament 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, there cannot be a mix. All other binding requirements are as per World Rugby Law. All three players must stay bound to the scrum until the scrum ends.

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. • A player unbinds from the scrum before the scrum ends.

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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.7 and 19.11 (scrum binding requirements), as varied by Sevens Variation 19.5: all three players must stay bound until the scrum ends.

Scrum – Ball Use

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The halfback must pass the ball to the first receiver from the back of the scrum. No scrum moves are permitted. There is no No.8 in a 3 person scrum. The scrum ends when the halfback plays the ball.

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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.36 as varied by Sevens Variation 19.36: the scrum ends when the ball is played by that team's halfback. The No.8 pick up provision is deleted.

Scrum – Crooked Feed

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.15(f) (the ball must be thrown straight down the middle of the tunnel). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Scrum – Offside Line

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The offside line is 5m from the last feet of the scrum. 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.27 to 19.33 (offside at a scrum). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Lineout – Skill Execution

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18 (lineout) generally. No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Lineout – Ball Use

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Governed by general lineout play under Law 18. No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Lineout – Offside Line

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

Defenders and attackers each stand 5m back from the line of touch. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the ball by the first player within the field of play. Once an attempt has been made the defending team may advance.

How the law can be broken

• A defending player advances beyond the 5m mark before an attempt has been made to catch the ball by the first 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18.30 to 18.32 (offside at a lineout). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Restart – Timing and Accuracy

U9&10
Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The try scoring team restarts with a drop kick from the halfway point, taken within 30 seconds of the try being scored or at the Referee's discretion. Defenders start 5m back from the point the ball is kicked from. Where the ball is kicked dead, the receiving team restarts with a tap on the halfway point, with defenders back 5m. A second attempt may be permitted at the Referee's discretion. Once the ball is kicked, the kicking team may advance in line with the Referee. The receiving team must take possession of the ball without contact from any player of the kicking team.

How the law can be broken

• The restart is not taken within 30 seconds. • The ball is kicked dead from the restart (not an offence; see Restart Post Sanction). • A player of the kicking team makes contact with a receiving player before the receiving team has taken possession.

Sanction

Restart not taken within 30 seconds: Free Kick (FK) to the non-offending team. Ball kicked dead: no sanction. Tap to the receiving team on the halfway point, unless the Referee permits a second attempt. Contact on the receiver before possession: Free Kick (FK) to the receiving team. Where the contact is dangerous play, including tackling a player in the air, it is a Penalty Kick (PK) under World Rugby Law 9.

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick: 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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. The tap cannot be taken quickly. Ball kicked dead: tap on the halfway point. Defenders back 5m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 12.4, 12.6 and 12.8 as varied by Sevens Variation 12.4, 12.6 and 12.8.

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

Tag (replaces Tackle)

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament 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 applied as set out in the Advantage row on the Management tab. 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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament 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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament 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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Section 5.

Tag – Ball Placement

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament 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 with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

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

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament 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 with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament 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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Obstruction

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament 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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament 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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Section 6.

Diving and Aerial Contest

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament 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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 4 and 7.

Tag Count

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The new attacking team restarts with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

No World Rugby Law equivalent.

Maul

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament 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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Offside

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament 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. 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. • 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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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 tournament Tri Tag law

Kicking is permitted in general play. Drop goals are not permitted. There is no mark. 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 for a drop goal attempt.

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 20.8 as varied by Sevens Variation 20.8: a kicker may punt or drop kick but may not place kick.

Scrum – Engagement

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The scrum must be engaged and stable with crouch, bind, set. 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. The scrum is 3 players per team: 2 props and a hooker. Teams must be ready within 15 seconds of the mark being made or at the Referee's discretion.

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. • A team is not ready to form the scrum within 15 seconds of the mark being made.

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19 (Scrum) engagement sequence at 19.10 to 19.12, and Sevens Variation 19.4: teams must be ready to form the scrum within 15 seconds of the mark.

Scrum – Push

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The scrum is uncontested. 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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.19. Rugby Australia Tri Tag variation: every scrum is uncontested, so no push is permitted.

Scrum – Binds

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament 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, there cannot be a mix. All other binding requirements are as per World Rugby Law. All three players must stay bound to the scrum until the scrum ends.

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. • A player unbinds from the scrum before the scrum ends.

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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.7 and 19.11 (scrum binding requirements), as varied by Sevens Variation 19.5: all three players must stay bound until the scrum ends.

Scrum – Ball Use

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

From the back of the scrum the halfback may pass, run or kick. No other player may lift the ball from the base of the scrum. There is no No.8 in a 3 person scrum. The scrum ends when the ball is played by that team's halfback, or when the ball leaves the scrum in any direction other than the tunnel.

How the law can be broken

• A player other than the halfback 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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.36 as varied by Sevens Variation 19.36: the scrum ends when the ball is played by that team's halfback. The No.8 pick up provision is deleted.

Scrum – Use It Call

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament 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 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: a tap or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.36 and Law 15.16 (the use it call and the five second requirement). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Scrum – Crooked Feed

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament 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: a tap or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.15(f) (the ball must be thrown straight down the middle of the tunnel). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Scrum – Offside Line

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The offside line is 5m from the last feet of the scrum. The defending team may advance once the halfback uses the ball, whether they pass, run or kick. 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. • A player breaks from the scrum before the scrum ends. • Once the ball is fed, the defending halfback moves beyond the midpoint 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

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option other than a penalty goal or field goal attempt, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred. The tap is taken at the defending team's offside line.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.27 to 19.33 (offside at a scrum). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Lineout – Safety

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament 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. The jumper must be lowered to the ground safely. Any action by the offending team that makes a player unsafe is a Penalty Kick. The lineout is 3 lineout players per team. For the attacking team these are 2 lifters and a jumper. The thrower and the receiver are additional to the three. The defending team has 1 player in the channel, 3 lineout players and 1 receiver. The lineout must be formed within 15 seconds of the mark of touch being indicated or at the Referee's discretion. 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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18.19 and 18.29(c) (lifting or supporting a jumper). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Lineout – Skill Execution

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament 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. There is no quick throw in at U11&12. Every throw in is a formed lineout.

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: a tap or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18 (lineout) generally. No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Lineout – Ball Use

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament 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: a tap or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Governed by general lineout play under Law 18. No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Lineout – Offside Line

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

Defenders and attackers each stand 5m back from the line of touch. The defending team may advance once the ball is in the hands of the first receiver.

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.

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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred. The tap is taken at the defending team's offside line.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18.30 to 18.32 (offside at a lineout). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Restart – Timing and Accuracy

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The try scoring team restarts with a drop kick, taken within 30 seconds of the conversion being taken or declined or at the discretion of the Referee. A contest for possession is permitted. Defenders back 10m. The ball must reach the 10m line and must not go directly into touch. Players must stay on their feet; the diving law applies, so no player may dive on or slide towards a loose ball.

How the law can be broken

• The restart is not taken within 30 seconds. • The ball does not reach the 10m line. • The ball goes directly into touch from the restart.

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. In line with or behind where the offence occurred.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 12.4, 12.6 and 12.8 as varied by Sevens Variation 12.4, 12.6 and 12.8.

Conversion – Timing

U11&12
Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The conversion must be a drop kick, taken within 30 seconds of the try being awarded or at the discretion of the Referee. Opposing players assemble close to their own 10m line.

How the law can be broken

• The conversion is not taken within 30 seconds. • The kicker attempts a place kick.

Sanction

Kick is disallowed.

Restart post-sanction

The try scoring team restarts play.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 8.7 and 8.8(c) as varied by Sevens Variation 8.7 and 8.8(c).

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

Format Definition

Tournament Tri Tag is the non contact version of junior and youth 7s, built for one and two day tournaments with pool matches and a finals series. Playing numbers, playing time, match load, field size, ball size, scoring, cards, game balance and welfare provisions follow the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth 7s Laws. The tackle, the tackle contest, the ruck and the maul are replaced by the Competition Tri Tag belt mechanic, so both Tri Tag formats play one tag law. Based on the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws and World Rugby Law, adopted and adapted for Tri Tag Rugby. Where this law set is silent, the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws for the same age group apply, then World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Playing Numbers

7 players on the field. Teams must match numbers.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 3.1 as varied by Sevens Variation 3.1: each team has no more than seven players in the playing area during play.

On-Field Player Numbers

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 3.1 to 3.2.

Minimum Numbers Required for a Game To Take Place

5 players per team. Teams must match numbers. There is no scrum at U8.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Suggested Maximum Match Day Squad Size

10. World Rugby Sevens caps the squad at 12 (7 plus 5 replacements).

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 3.4 and 3.5: a maximum of five replacements may be nominated and used.

Replacements

Unlimited movements. Replacements can be made at any stoppage where the ball is dead and only with the permission of the referee. A replacement can take place at a FK or PK but the ball must be made dead prior to this happening and with the permission of the referee. The ball is dead when the referee blows the whistle to stop play; or when the ball is in touch; or following an unsuccessful conversion. This is a Rugby Australia junior variation and differs from Sevens Variation 3.4 and 3.5, which cap replacements at five.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 3.4 and 3.5 cap replacements at five.

Playing Area

Quarter field: 33m wide x 35m long. Competition Rules may modify the field size for Tournament Tri Tag.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 1.3. No Sevens Variation. Sevens is played on a full size field.

Ball Size

Size 3.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 2.3 to 2.4. No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Recommended Playing Time

10 mins (2 x 5 min halves). Half time 1 min.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 5.1: a match lasts 14 minutes (2 x 7) plus time lost. Sevens Variation 5.2: half time does not exceed two minutes.

Maximum Matches within a Day

Maximum 5 matches in a day.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Maximum Playing Time within a Day

50 minutes (5 x 10min matches)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Minimum Recovery Between Matches

Minimum 20 minutes between the end of one match and the start of the next.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Maximum Warm-Up Time

15 minutes before the first match of the day. 5 minutes before each subsequent match.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Extra Time and Drawn Matches

No extra time. A drawn match stands as a draw. Where a final is drawn, the result is determined by Competition Rules.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 5.1 and 8.30: extra time is played in periods of no more than five minutes and the first team to score wins.

Injury Time

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 5.5(a).

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 8 as varied by Sevens Variation 8.7, 8.8(c), 8.14, 8.21 and 8.24.

Field Support – On-Field Coach

Each team has one on-field Coach for the full duration of every match across the competition or event. The on-field Coach is present to guide players and to reinforce the decisions of the Referee. 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 Referee'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 Referee to a safety concern at any time. The on field Coach may not: • Overturn, reverse, question or debate a decision of the Referee. • 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. Coaching approach: • On the field with the Referee and the opposition Coach. • At a stoppage in play, provide one teaching moment, then restart. • The game is the teacher. A Coach's job is to point at the right moment.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

World Rugby Law 9.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 9.29 as varied by Sevens Variation 9.29: the suspension is two minutes.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 9.30. No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Blue Card

No Blue Card by Referee, but Concussion Management Procedure (CMP) still applies in its entirety. Managed by the Referee in consultation with the on-field coach and the medic, first aid officer or trainer. Player Welfare is the number one consideration: if in doubt, sit them out (and apply the CMP)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Bleeding Player

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

World Rugby Law 3.

Game Balance Law

A maximum 30 point difference. 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. Whichever option is chosen, the result is recorded as the score at the moment the threshold was reached. 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 4.3(f).

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.8 and 12.9 as varied for Sevens: the scoring team restarts and every infringement at the restart is a free kick.

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 tap cannot be taken quickly. 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. A knock on from a tap is not an offence; the tap is retaken.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 20.8 as varied by Sevens Variation 20.8: the kicker may punt or drop kick but may not place kick.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 7 (Advantage). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 12.11 and Law 21.16 as varied by Sevens Variation 12.11 and 21.16.

Try Line Drop Out

Not applicable in Tournament Tri Tag at this age group. The try line drop out that applies in XV from 2027 does not apply.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 12.11 restarts with a 22m drop out.

Knock-On / Forward Pass Restart

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 11.1 to 11.2 and Law 19.1.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Scrum – Set-Up / Numbers

Not applicable. There is no scrum at U8. Tap and Pass restarts play.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.5 as varied by Sevens Variation 19.5: a scrum must have three players from each team, all of whom stay bound until the scrum ends.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18. No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

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 Tournament Tri Tag. Any exception is managed through the tournament Competition Rules.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

WR Player Welfare Guidelines Age Differential Playing Guideline: Best Practice = play within a one year "age window" Acceptable Practice = play within a two year "age window" Exceptional Practice = play within a three year "age window" following a specific criteria in Union policy (including consent and assessment)

Heat and Hydration

The competition organiser must apply the Rugby Australia heat policy and provide scheduled hydration breaks. Where the heat policy requires it, match length is reduced before matches are cancelled.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Gender Participation

Mixed gender. Boys and girls may be selected in the same team and play with and against each other.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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

Format Definition

Tournament Tri Tag is the non contact version of junior and youth 7s, built for one and two day tournaments with pool matches and a finals series. Playing numbers, playing time, match load, field size, ball size, scoring, cards, game balance and welfare provisions follow the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth 7s Laws. The tackle, the tackle contest, the ruck and the maul are replaced by the Competition Tri Tag belt mechanic, so both Tri Tag formats play one tag law. Based on the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws and World Rugby Law, adopted and adapted for Tri Tag Rugby. Where this law set is silent, the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws for the same age group apply, then World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Playing Numbers

7 players on the field. Teams must match numbers.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 3.1 as varied by Sevens Variation 3.1: each team has no more than seven players in the playing area during play.

On-Field Player Numbers

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 3.1 to 3.2.

Minimum Numbers Required for a Game To Take Place

5 players per team. Teams must match numbers. The scrum is 3 per team and uncontested.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Suggested Maximum Match Day Squad Size

10. World Rugby Sevens caps the squad at 12 (7 plus 5 replacements).

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 3.4 and 3.5: a maximum of five replacements may be nominated and used.

Replacements

Unlimited movements. Replacements can be made at any stoppage where the ball is dead and only with the permission of the referee. A replacement can take place at a FK or PK but the ball must be made dead prior to this happening and with the permission of the referee. The ball is dead when the referee blows the whistle to stop play; or when the ball is in touch; or following an unsuccessful conversion. This is a Rugby Australia junior variation and differs from Sevens Variation 3.4 and 3.5, which cap replacements at five.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 3.4 and 3.5 cap replacements at five.

Playing Area

Half field: 35m wide x 60m long. Competition Rules may modify the field size for Tournament Tri Tag.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 1.3. No Sevens Variation. Sevens is played on a full size field.

Ball Size

Size 3.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 2.3 to 2.4. No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Recommended Playing Time

10 mins (2 x 5 min halves). Half time 1 min.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 5.1: a match lasts 14 minutes (2 x 7) plus time lost. Sevens Variation 5.2: half time does not exceed two minutes.

Maximum Matches within a Day

Maximum 5 matches in a day.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Maximum Playing Time within a Day

50 minutes (5 x 10min matches)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Minimum Recovery Between Matches

Minimum 25 minutes between the end of one match and the start of the next.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Maximum Warm-Up Time

20 minutes before the first match of the day. 5 minutes before each subsequent match.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Extra Time and Drawn Matches

No extra time. A drawn match stands as a draw. Where a final is drawn, the result is determined by Competition Rules.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 5.1 and 8.30: extra time is played in periods of no more than five minutes and the first team to score wins.

Injury Time

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 5.5(a).

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 8 as varied by Sevens Variation 8.7, 8.8(c), 8.14, 8.21 and 8.24.

Field Support – On-Field Coach

Each team has one on-field Coach for the full duration of every match across the competition or event. The on-field Coach is present to guide players and to reinforce the decisions of the Referee. 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 Referee'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 Referee to a safety concern at any time. The on field Coach may not: • Overturn, reverse, question or debate a decision of the Referee. • 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. Coaching approach: • On the field with the Referee and the opposition Coach. • At a stoppage in play, provide one teaching moment, then restart. • The game is the teacher. A Coach's job is to point at the right moment.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

World Rugby Law 9.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 9.29 as varied by Sevens Variation 9.29: the suspension is two minutes.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 9.30. No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Blue Card

No Blue Card by Referee, but Concussion Management Procedure (CMP) still applies in its entirety. Managed by the Referee in consultation with the on-field coach and the medic, first aid officer or trainer. Player Welfare is the number one consideration: if in doubt, sit them out (and apply the CMP)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Bleeding Player

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

World Rugby Law 3.

Game Balance Law

A maximum 35 point difference. 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. Whichever option is chosen, the result is recorded as the score at the moment the threshold was reached. 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 4.3(f).

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Kick Off & Restarts (after a try)

Drop kick by the try scoring team from the halfway point, taken within 30 seconds of the try being scored or at the referees discretion. The defending team must start 5m back from the point the ball is kicked from. Once the ball is kicked, the kicking team may advance in line with the Referee. The receiving team must take possession of the ball without contact from any player of the kicking team. Where the ball is kicked dead, the receiving team restarts with a tap on the halfway point, with defenders back 5m. A second attempt may be permitted at the Referee's discretion

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.8 and 12.9 as varied for Sevens: the scoring team restarts and every infringement at the restart is a free kick.

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. The non-offending team may choose a scrum at the mark instead of the tap. Penalty Kicks and Free Kicks cannot be taken quickly. The Referee waits for the defending team to retreat before the tap is taken. This is the mechanic referenced by every sanction on the Sanctions tab. An incorrect tap is brought back and retaken correctly. A knock on from a tap is not an offence; the tap is retaken.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 20.8 as varied by Sevens Variation 20.8: the kicker may punt or drop kick but may not place kick.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 7 (Advantage). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 12.11 and Law 21.16 as varied by Sevens Variation 12.11 and 21.16.

Try Line Drop Out

Not applicable in Tournament Tri Tag at this age group. The try line drop out that applies in XV from 2027 does not apply.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 12.11 restarts with a 22m drop out.

Knock-On / Forward Pass Restart

Scrum to the non-offending team not in possession at the time of the offence, set at the mark. The scrum is uncontested. The non-offending team may choose a tap instead of the scrum. A tap chosen instead of a scrum cannot be taken quickly: it is taken only when the Referee signals, with defenders back 5m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 11.1 to 11.2 and Law 19.1.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Scrum – Set-Up / Numbers

3 players per team: 2 props and a hooker. Teams must have 3 players in the scrum at all times and must match numbers. All three must stay bound until the scrum ends. The scrum is uncontested: there is no push and the team feeding the ball wins the scrum.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.5 as varied by Sevens Variation 19.5.

Scrum – Uncontested Scrums

Not applicable. Every Tri Tag scrum is uncontested, so no trained front row is required and no player is dropped. Where a scrum player is carded or injured, the team fills the position from its remaining players and keeps 3 in the scrum.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 3.15 to 3.20.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Restart from Touch

There is no formed lineout at U9&10. Where the ball crosses the line of touch, play restarts with a pass from touch by a player from the team not in possession when the ball went into touch. The pass must be made to a teammate and travel a minimum of 2m infield, using the same ball that went into touch. Attackers and defenders each stand 5m back from the line of touch. The defending team must wait until an attempt is made to catch the pass before advancing.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18. No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

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 Tournament Tri Tag. Any exception is managed through the tournament Competition Rules.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

WR Player Welfare Guidelines Age Differential Playing Guideline: Best Practice = play within a one year "age window" Acceptable Practice = play within a two year "age window" Exceptional Practice = play within a three year "age window" following a specific criteria in Union policy (including consent and assessment)

Heat and Hydration

The competition organiser must apply the Rugby Australia heat policy and provide scheduled hydration breaks. Where the heat policy requires it, match length is reduced before matches are cancelled.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Gender Participation

Mixed gender. Boys and girls may be selected in the same team and play with and against each other.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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

Format Definition

Tournament Tri Tag is the non contact version of junior and youth 7s, built for one and two day tournaments with pool matches and a finals series. Playing numbers, playing time, match load, field size, ball size, scoring, cards, game balance and welfare provisions follow the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth 7s Laws. The tackle, the tackle contest, the ruck and the maul are replaced by the Competition Tri Tag belt mechanic, so both Tri Tag formats play one tag law. Based on the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws and World Rugby Law, adopted and adapted for Tri Tag Rugby. Where this law set is silent, the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws for the same age group apply, then World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Playing Numbers

7 players on the field. Teams must match numbers.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 3.1 as varied by Sevens Variation 3.1: each team has no more than seven players in the playing area during play.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 3.1 to 3.2.

Minimum Numbers Required for a Game To Take Place

5 players per team. Teams must match numbers, unless player is sanctioned with YC/RC. No trained front row is required; every Tri Tag scrum is uncontested.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Suggested Maximum Match Day Squad Size

12. World Rugby Sevens caps the squad at 12 (7 plus 5 replacements).

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 3.4 and 3.5: a maximum of five replacements may be nominated and used.

Replacements

Unlimited movements. Replacements can be made at any stoppage where the ball is dead and only with the permission of the referee. A replacement can take place at a FK or PK but the ball must be made dead prior to this happening and with the permission of the referee. The ball is dead when the referee blows the whistle to stop play; or when the ball is in touch; or following an unsuccessful conversion. This is a Rugby Australia junior variation and differs from Sevens Variation 3.4 and 3.5, which cap replacements at five.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 3.4 and 3.5 cap replacements at five.

Playing Area

Full field less 10m; the field comes in to the 5m line on each side. Competition Rules may modify the field size for Tournament Tri Tag.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 1.3. No Sevens Variation. Sevens is played on a full size field.

Ball Size

Size 4.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 2.3 to 2.4. No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Recommended Playing Time

14 mins (2 x 7 min halves). Half time 2 mins.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 5.1: a match lasts 14 minutes (2 x 7) plus time lost. Sevens Variation 5.2: half time does not exceed two minutes.

Maximum Matches within a Day

Maximum 5 matches in a day.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Maximum Playing Time within a Day

70 minutes (5 x 14min matches)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Minimum Recovery Between Matches

Minimum 25 minutes between the end of one match and the start of the next.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Maximum Warm-Up Time

20 minutes before the first match of the day. 5 minutes before each subsequent match.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Extra Time and Drawn Matches

No extra time. A drawn match stands as a draw. Where a final is drawn, the result is determined by Competition Rules.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 5.1 and 8.30: extra time is played in periods of no more than five minutes and the first team to score wins.

Injury Time

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 5.5(a).

Scoring & Conversions

Try and conversion. The conversion must be a drop kick and must be taken within 30 seconds of the try being awarded or at the discretion of the referee. The kick is disallowed if not taken within 30 seconds. Opposing players assemble close to their own 10m line (Sevens Variation 8.14). No penalty goals or dropped goals.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 8 as varied by Sevens Variation 8.7, 8.8(c), 8.14, 8.21 and 8.24.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

World Rugby Law 9.

Yellow Card

Any player shown a Yellow Card shall be suspended for a period of 2 minutes of actual playing time (Sevens Variation 9.29). The player is not replaced. A second yellow card offence by the same player is a send off.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 9.29 as varied by Sevens Variation 9.29: the suspension is two minutes.

Red Card

Any player shown a red card is immediately suspended until they attend a judicial hearing. The player takes no further part in the tournament pending that hearing. The player is not replaced for the remainder of that match and the team plays with six. The team returns to seven players for its next match. All Red Cards must be recorded in Rugby Xplorer.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 9.30. No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Blue Card

No Blue Card by Referee, but Concussion Management Procedure (CMP) still applies in its entirety. 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. Player Welfare is the number one consideration: if in doubt, sit them out (and apply the CMP)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Bleeding Player

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

World Rugby Law 3.

Game Balance Law

A maximum 40 point difference. 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. Whichever option is chosen, the result is recorded as the score at the moment the threshold was reached. 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 4.3(f).

Kick Off & Restarts (after a try)

Drop kick by the try scoring team, taken within 30 seconds of the conversion being taken or declined or at the discretion of the referee. A contest for possession is permitted. Defenders back 10m. The ball must reach the 10m line and must not go directly into touch. Sanction: Free Kick. 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.8 and 12.9 as varied for Sevens: the scoring team restarts and every infringement at the restart is a free kick.

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, or a scrum at the mark. Defenders back 10m. Free Kick: a tap or a scrum at the mark. Defenders back 10m. Penalty Kicks and Free Kicks may be taken quickly (World Rugby Law). Turnover restarts, and a tap chosen instead of a scrum at a knock on or forward pass, cannot be taken quickly. An incorrect tap is brought back and retaken correctly. A knock on from a tap is not an offence; the tap is retaken.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 20.8 as varied by Sevens Variation 20.8: the kicker may punt or drop kick but may not place kick.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 7 (Advantage). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

In-Goal Restart

Ball made dead in goal: where the ball is played or taken into in goal by an attacking player and is made dead by an opponent, play restarts with a 22m drop out. Tagged in goal: a ball carrier tagged in goal before grounding the ball does not score. No try is awarded and play restarts with a tap to the defending team on the 22m line. Defenders retreat 10m. A player cannot be held up in goal without contact, so the 7s held up restart does not apply.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 12.11 and Law 21.16 as varied by Sevens Variation 12.11 and 21.16.

Try Line Drop Out

Not applicable in Tournament Tri Tag at this age group. The try line drop out that applies in XV from 2027 does not apply.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 12.11 restarts with a 22m drop out.

Knock-On / Forward Pass Restart

Scrum to the non-offending team not in possession at the time of the offence, set at the mark. The scrum is uncontested. The non-offending team may choose a tap instead of the scrum. A tap chosen instead of a scrum cannot be taken quickly: it is taken only when the Referee signals, with defenders back 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 11.1 to 11.2 and Law 19.1.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Scrum – Set-Up / Numbers

3 players per team: 2 props and a hooker. Teams must have 3 players in the scrum at all times and must match numbers. All three must stay bound until the scrum ends. The scrum is uncontested: there is no push and the team feeding the ball wins the scrum.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.5 as varied by Sevens Variation 19.5.

Scrum – Uncontested Scrums

Not applicable. Every Tri Tag scrum is uncontested, so no trained front row is required and no player is dropped. Where a scrum player is carded or injured, the team fills the position from its remaining players and keeps 3 in the scrum.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 3.15 to 3.20.

Scrum – May Day

Players must know the May Day procedure.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Lineout – Set-Up / Numbers

3 lineout players per team. The thrower and the receiver are additional to the three. Attacking: 1 thrower, 3 lineout players (2 lifters and a jumper) and 1 receiver. Defending: 1 player in the channel, 3 lineout players and 1 receiver. Teams must match numbers in the lineout. The lineout must be formed within 15 seconds of the mark of touch being indicated or at the referee's discretion. There is no quick throw in at U11&12. 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18.12 as varied by Sevens Variation 18.12: the lineout is formed within 15 seconds of the mark of touch being indicated.

Lineout – Lifting

Only the attacking team may jump. Lifting is by the legs or shorts. The jumper must be lowered to the ground safely. The defending team must not jump or compete for the ball. The attacking team must complete the lineout skill of throw, jump and lift. Where the skill is not attempted, a Free Kick is awarded to the defending team.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18.19 and 18.29(c). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

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 Tournament Tri Tag. Any exception is managed through the tournament Competition Rules.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

WR Player Welfare Guidelines Age Differential Playing Guideline: Best Practice = play within a one year "age window" Acceptable Practice = play within a two year "age window" Exceptional Practice = play within a three year "age window" following a specific criteria in Union policy (including consent and assessment)

Heat and Hydration

The competition organiser must apply the Rugby Australia heat policy and provide scheduled hydration breaks. Where the heat policy requires it, match length is reduced before matches are cancelled.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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