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Youth Competition Tri Tag Rugby Laws

What it is

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

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

Examples

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

Sanctionable laws for U13&14. Each card sets out the Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law, how it can be broken, the sanction that follows, and how play restarts.

Tag (replaces Tackle)

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Tag – Ball Carrier Evasion (replaces Fend / Palm)

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Fend: Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law. Any other evasion offence: an automatic tag at the point the act occurred. Play restarts from the ruck at that point and the tag is counted.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Tag – Late and Pre Tag

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 5.

Tag – Ball Placement

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts at the mark under the age group restart: Free Kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly. Pass after the tag: turnover, and the game restarts with a tap at the point of the tag. Defenders retreat 10m. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

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

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts at the point of the ruck under the age group restart: Free Kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Ruck – Defending (replaces tackle contest numbers)

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Obstruction

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Voluntary Tag and Surrender

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 6.

Diving and Aerial Contest

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 4 and 7.

Tag Count

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

After the seventh tag: changeover at the point the seventh tag was made, under the age group restart: Free Kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

No World Rugby Law equivalent.

Maul

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Offside

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

World Rugby Law applies, except that 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 advance once the ball leaves the ruck, that is, once the halfback runs, passes or kicks. The scrum offside line is 5m from the last feet. The lineout offside line is 10m from the line of touch. 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 advances beyond the offside line before the ball has been played from the ruck, scrum or lineout. • A player in front of the ball participates in play. • 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

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Offside lines are defined within each phase law: Law 14.10 (tackle), Law 15.4 (ruck), Law 16.4 (maul) and Law 18.30 to 18.32 (lineout).

Kicking (General Play)

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

World Rugby Law applies, except that there is no mark. Kicking in general play is permitted, including the 50/22 and drop goals. There is no mark in Competition Tri Tag. A catch is simply a catch and play goes on. Opponents may compete for the ball or wait and tag the player who catches it.

How the law can be broken

• A player calls mark and stops play after catching a kick.

Sanction

No sanction. The call is ignored and play goes on.

Restart post-sanction

Play continues.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

General play kicking is unrestricted in the youth game.

Scrum – Engagement

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Push

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Binds

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.7 and 19.11 (scrum binding requirements).

Scrum – Ball Use

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Use It Call

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Crooked Feed

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The ball needs to be fed into the scrum so that it can be hooked back by the hooker.

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Offside Line

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The offside line is 5m from the last feet of the scrum. The defending halfback must start at the midpoint of the scrum, on the same side as the ball is fed and next to the opposition halfback. 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 ball is out. • A defending forward breaks from the scrum before the ball is out.

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.27 to 19.33 (offside at a scrum).

Lineout – Lifting and Support

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Lineout – Skill Execution

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The attacking team must make an attempt to complete the lineout skill of throw, jump and lift a player, and then either release the ball off the top or bring it down and pop. The front of the lineout is 5m in from the touch line. A Free Kick applies where the attacking team fails to attempt the skill. It does not apply to an honest attempt that fails.

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Lineout – Throw

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Rugby Australia variation. The throw must be straight down the middle of the lineout and must travel 5m. Because the defending team does not compete at the lineout, a throw that is not straight but not deliberately so is play on and no sanction applies. The throw must still be attempted straight. Deliberately throwing the ball not straight is not permitted. The throw must be to a player in the lineout, not to the halfback or first receiver. Over-throws beyond 15m and short throws to the front player must still be straight. A quick throw in is permitted under World Rugby Law. Where a quick throw is taken, no lineout forms and the throw, jump and lift requirement does not apply.

How the law can be broken

• The throw is deliberately not straight. • The throw does not travel 5m. • The throw is directed to a player outside the lineout. Where the ball is not taken cleanly and goes forward, this is a knock on and the restart is a scrum

Sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team, taken on the 15m line along the line of touch. Tap or kick only. The scrum option is not available.

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick on the 15m line along the line of touch. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Lineout – Ball Use

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

World Rugby Law applies in full. There is no restriction on the receiver (halfback) at this age group.

How the law can be broken

Not applicable

Sanction

Not applicable

Restart post-sanction

Not applicable

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Lineout – Offside Line

U13&14
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Players not in the lineout stand 10m back from the line of touch.

How the law can be broken

• A player not in the lineout advances beyond the 10m line before the lineout has ended. • 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. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.30 to 18.32 (offside at a lineout).

Sanctionable laws for U15&16. Each card sets out the Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law, how it can be broken, the sanction that follows, and how play restarts.

Tag (replaces Tackle)

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Tag – Ball Carrier Evasion (replaces Fend / Palm)

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Fend: Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law. Any other evasion offence: an automatic tag at the point the act occurred. Play restarts from the ruck at that point and the tag is counted.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Tag – Late and Pre Tag

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 5.

Tag – Ball Placement

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts at the mark under the age group restart: Free Kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly. Pass after the tag: turnover, and the game restarts with a tap at the point of the tag. Defenders retreat 10m. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

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

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts at the point of the ruck under the age group restart: Free Kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Ruck – Defending (replaces tackle contest numbers)

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Obstruction

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Voluntary Tag and Surrender

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 6.

Diving and Aerial Contest

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 4 and 7.

Tag Count

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

After the seventh tag: changeover at the point the seventh tag was made, under the age group restart: Free Kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

No World Rugby Law equivalent.

Maul

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Offside

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

World Rugby Law applies, except that 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 advance once the ball leaves the ruck, that is, once the halfback runs, passes or kicks. The scrum offside line is 5m from the last feet. The lineout offside line is 10m from the line of touch. 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 advances beyond the offside line before the ball has been played from the ruck, scrum or lineout. • A player in front of the ball participates in play. • 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

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Offside lines are defined within each phase law: Law 14.10 (tackle), Law 15.4 (ruck), Law 16.4 (maul) and Law 18.30 to 18.32 (lineout).

Kicking (General Play)

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

World Rugby Law applies, except that there is no mark. Kicking in general play is permitted, including the 50/22 and drop goals. There is no mark in Competition Tri Tag. A catch is simply a catch and play goes on. Opponents may compete for the ball or wait and tag the player who catches it.

How the law can be broken

• A player calls mark and stops play after catching a kick.

Sanction

No sanction. The call is ignored and play goes on.

Restart post-sanction

Play continues.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

General play kicking is unrestricted in the youth game.

Scrum – Engagement

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Push

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Binds

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.7 and 19.11 (scrum binding requirements).

Scrum – Ball Use

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Use It Call

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Crooked Feed

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The ball needs to be fed into the scrum so that it can be hooked back by the hooker.

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Offside Line

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The offside line is 5m from the last feet of the scrum. The defending halfback must start at the midpoint of the scrum, on the same side as the ball is fed and next to the opposition halfback. 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 ball is out. • A defending forward breaks from the scrum before the ball is out.

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.27 to 19.33 (offside at a scrum).

Lineout – Lifting and Support

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Lineout – Skill Execution

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The attacking team must make an attempt to complete the lineout skill of throw, jump and lift a player, and then either release the ball off the top or bring it down and pop. The front of the lineout is 5m in from the touch line. A Free Kick applies where the attacking team fails to attempt the skill. It does not apply to an honest attempt that fails.

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Lineout – Throw

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Rugby Australia variation. The throw must be straight down the middle of the lineout and must travel 5m. Because the defending team does not compete at the lineout, a throw that is not straight but not deliberately so is play on and no sanction applies. The throw must still be attempted straight. Deliberately throwing the ball not straight is not permitted. The throw must be to a player in the lineout, not to the halfback or first receiver. Over-throws beyond 15m and short throws to the front player must still be straight. A quick throw in is permitted under World Rugby Law. Where a quick throw is taken, no lineout forms and the throw, jump and lift requirement does not apply.

How the law can be broken

• The throw is deliberately not straight. • The throw does not travel 5m. • The throw is directed to a player outside the lineout. Where the ball is not taken cleanly and goes forward, this is a knock on and the restart is a scrum

Sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team, taken on the 15m line along the line of touch. Tap or kick only. The scrum option is not available.

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick on the 15m line along the line of touch. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Lineout – Ball Use

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

World Rugby Law applies in full. There is no restriction on the receiver (halfback) at this age group.

How the law can be broken

Not applicable

Sanction

Not applicable

Restart post-sanction

Not applicable

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Lineout – Offside Line

U15&16
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Players not in the lineout stand 10m back from the line of touch.

How the law can be broken

• A player not in the lineout advances beyond the 10m line before the lineout has ended. • 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. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.30 to 18.32 (offside at a lineout).

Sanctionable laws for U17&18. Each card sets out the Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law, how it can be broken, the sanction that follows, and how play restarts.

Tag (replaces Tackle)

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Tag – Ball Carrier Evasion (replaces Fend / Palm)

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Fend: Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law. Any other evasion offence: an automatic tag at the point the act occurred. Play restarts from the ruck at that point and the tag is counted.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Tag – Late and Pre Tag

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 5.

Tag – Ball Placement

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts at the mark under the age group restart: Free Kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly. Pass after the tag: turnover, and the game restarts with a tap at the point of the tag. Defenders retreat 10m. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

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

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts at the point of the ruck under the age group restart: Free Kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Ruck – Defending (replaces tackle contest numbers)

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Obstruction

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Voluntary Tag and Surrender

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 6.

Diving and Aerial Contest

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 4 and 7.

Tag Count

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

After the seventh tag: changeover at the point the seventh tag was made, under the age group restart: Free Kick to the non-offending team. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

No World Rugby Law equivalent.

Maul

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Offside

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

World Rugby Law applies, except that 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 advance once the ball leaves the ruck, that is, once the halfback runs, passes or kicks. The scrum offside line is 5m from the last feet. The lineout offside line is 10m from the line of touch. 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 advances beyond the offside line before the ball has been played from the ruck, scrum or lineout. • A player in front of the ball participates in play. • 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

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Offside lines are defined within each phase law: Law 14.10 (tackle), Law 15.4 (ruck), Law 16.4 (maul) and Law 18.30 to 18.32 (lineout).

Kicking (General Play)

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

World Rugby Law applies, except that there is no mark. Kicking in general play is permitted, including the 50/22 and drop goals. There is no mark in Competition Tri Tag. A catch is simply a catch and play goes on. Opponents may compete for the ball or wait and tag the player who catches it.

How the law can be broken

• A player calls mark and stops play after catching a kick.

Sanction

No sanction. The call is ignored and play goes on.

Restart post-sanction

Play continues.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

General play kicking is unrestricted in the youth game.

Scrum – Engagement

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Push

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Binds

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.7 and 19.11 (scrum binding requirements).

Scrum – Ball Use

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Use It Call

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Crooked Feed

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The ball needs to be fed into the scrum so that it can be hooked back by the hooker.

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – Offside Line

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The offside line is 5m from the last feet of the scrum. The defending halfback must start at the midpoint of the scrum, on the same side as the ball is fed and next to the opposition halfback. 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 ball is out. • A defending forward breaks from the scrum before the ball is out.

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.27 to 19.33 (offside at a scrum).

Lineout – Lifting and Support

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Lineout – Skill Execution

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

The attacking team must make an attempt to complete the lineout skill of throw, jump and lift a player, and then either release the ball off the top or bring it down and pop. The front of the lineout is 5m in from the touch line. A Free Kick applies where the attacking team fails to attempt the skill. It does not apply to an honest attempt that fails.

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Lineout – Throw

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Rugby Australia variation. The throw must be straight down the middle of the lineout and must travel 5m. Because the defending team does not compete at the lineout, a throw that is not straight but not deliberately so is play on and no sanction applies. The throw must still be attempted straight. Deliberately throwing the ball not straight is not permitted. The throw must be to a player in the lineout, not to the halfback or first receiver. Over-throws beyond 15m and short throws to the front player must still be straight. A quick throw in is permitted under World Rugby Law. Where a quick throw is taken, no lineout forms and the throw, jump and lift requirement does not apply.

How the law can be broken

• The throw is deliberately not straight. • The throw does not travel 5m. • The throw is directed to a player outside the lineout. Where the ball is not taken cleanly and goes forward, this is a knock on and the restart is a scrum

Sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team, taken on the 15m line along the line of touch. Tap or kick only. The scrum option is not available.

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick on the 15m line along the line of touch. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Lineout – Ball Use

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

World Rugby Law applies in full. There is no restriction on the receiver (halfback) at this age group.

How the law can be broken

Not applicable

Sanction

Not applicable

Restart post-sanction

Not applicable

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Lineout – Offside Line

U17&18
Rugby Australia competition Tri Tag law

Players not in the lineout stand 10m back from the line of touch.

How the law can be broken

• A player not in the lineout advances beyond the 10m line before the lineout has ended. • 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. Defenders retreat 10m. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.30 to 18.32 (offside at a lineout).

Game set up, restarts and management for U13&14. These are guidelines for coaches, managers and competition administrators rather than sanctionable laws.

Format Definition

Competition Tri Tag is the non-contact version of the youth XV game, played 12 a side. Playing time, field size, ball size, scoring, cards, game balance and every welfare provision are the same as the youth XV law set. The tackle, the tackle contest, the ruck and the maul are replaced by the belt mechanic. It is based on the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws and World Rugby Law, adopted and adapted for Tri Tag Rugby. Where this law set does not cover a situation, the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws for the same age group apply. Where those are also silent, World Rugby Law applies.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law.

Playing Numbers

12 players on the field.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

On-Field Player Numbers

Teams must match numbers, unless a player is sanctioned with a Yellow Card or Red Card.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.1 to 3.2 (team numbers).

Minimum Numbers Required for a Game To Take Place

Minimum numbers for a game is 10 players per team. 6 person scrum (front row, second row and No8). The scrum must always have 6 players, at every team size from 10 to 12 players.

Suggested Maximum Squad Size

17

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Squad size is an administrative and participation guideline.

Replacements

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.4 to 3.5. Law 3.34 caps rolling and tactical replacements at 12 where a match organiser permits them.

Playing Area

Full field. All field markings are used and referred to as painted.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 1.3: senior field dimensions are a maximum of 100m x 70m (minimum 94m x 68m).

Ball Size

Size 4 (male and female).

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 2.3 to 2.4.

Playing Equipment and Belt Check

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 3.

Recommended Playing Time

50 mins.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Maximum Warm-Up Time

30 mins maximum.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. A match day logistics provision.

Maximum Playing Time within a Day

100 minutes

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Injury Time

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scoring & Conversions

World Rugby Law. Try, conversion, penalty goal and dropped goal all apply.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 8.1 sets senior points values (try 5, conversion 2, penalty goal 3, dropped goal 3).

Field Support – On-Field Coach

No on-field coach. On-field coaching applies at U8 to U10 only. It is recommended that the coach stands behind the player's bench, inside the field enclosure.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law.

Contact Prohibition

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Deliberate Contact

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9 (Foul Play).

Yellow Card

Any player shown a yellow card in a Competition Tri Tag match shall be suspended for a period of: - Five (5) minutes of playing time, when the match is scheduled to be 50 minutes or less in length; - Ten (10) minutes of playing time, when the match is scheduled to be more than 50 minutes in length.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.29 sets the senior sin bin period at 10 minutes.

Red Card

Any player shown a red card in a Competition Tri Tag match is immediately suspended until they attend a judicial hearing. They may be replaced after; - Ten (10) minutes of playing time, when the match is scheduled to be 50 minutes or less in length; - Twenty (20) minutes of playing time, when the match is scheduled to be more than 50 minutes in length. The red carded player cannot return. All Red Cards must be recorded in Rugby Xplorer.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.30.

Blue Card

Blue Card. Managed by the Referee in consultation with the medic, first aid officer or trainer. All Blue Cards must be recorded in Rugby Xplorer.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Concussion Protocol (RA CMP)

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed under World Rugby Concussion Guidance (Regulation 10, Law 3.11) and the RA Concussion Management Procedure.

Bleeding Player

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 3.

Game Balance Law

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. This is an RA specific mechanic.

Mouthguards

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 4.3(f): a mouthguard is a permitted item of clothing.

Kick Off & Restarts (after a try)

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 12.4 (restart after a score).

Penalty / Free Kick Options (general mechanic)

Defenders retreat 10 metres back from the mark set by the Referee. Penalty and Free Kick options are as per World Rugby Law. This is the mechanic referenced by every sanction on the Sanctions tab. Penalty Kicks and Free Kicks may be taken quickly, as per World Rugby Law. Turnover restarts cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 20 (penalty and free kick); Law 20.12 (the opposing team must retreat 10m).

Knock-On / Forward Pass Restart

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Turnover Restart

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Tag specific restart.

Advantage

Where foul play meets the Penalty Kick threshold, the Referee may play advantage to allow continuity and flow. If in doubt, award the penalty. Where foul play meets the Yellow Card threshold or higher, including Dangerous Play (WR Laws 9.11 to 9.25) and Misconduct (WR Laws 9.27 and 9.28), advantage is not played. The Referee stops play immediately, except in the act of scoring a try.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 7 (Advantage).

Goal Line Drop Out

Try line drop out if: - the attacking team is tagged in goal - the ball is grounded or made dead by the defending team. Otherwise World Rugby Law, including the goal line drop out applying from 2027.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 12.11 to 12.13.

50m / 22m Kick

Permitted. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.8(a).

Scrum – Set-Up / Numbers

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.5 to 19.6 (8 players in the senior game).

Scrum – Players Removed for Card

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – May Day

Players must know the May Day procedure.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. A scrum safety procedure.

Lineout – Set-Up / Numbers

6 players per team, plus a receiver (halfback) who is additional to the six. Attacking: 1 thrower and 5 lineout participants. Defending: 1 hooker in the channel and 5 lineout participants. The front of the lineout is 5m in from the touch line. The lineout cannot be closer than 5m from the goal line. A quick throw in is permitted under World Rugby Law. Where a quick throw is taken, no lineout forms and the throw, jump and lift requirement does not apply.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.10 to 18.16 (forming a lineout; minimum of 2 players per team).

Lineout – Lifting

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.19 and 18.29(c).

Lineout – Players Removed for Card

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.13 to 18.14.

Age Group Window

• U13: Players turning 12 or 13 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). • U14: Players turning 13 or 14 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). There are no age grade dispensations in Competition Tri Tag. Any exception is managed through the Competition Rules.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Gender Participation

Single gender by default. Boys and girls play in separate competitions. Mixed gender teams may be offered only where the Competition Rules provide for them.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Gender divisions set by Rugby Australia for Tri Tag; mixed teams at U13 to U16 only where Competition Rules provide.

Gender Identity

Rugby Australia supports a player's participation in the gender competition with which they identify. A player wishing to play in a gender competition different to the sex listed on their birth certificate must follow the Gender Identity Dispensation Procedure. Approval rests with the Competition Manager.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Game set up, restarts and management for U15&16. These are guidelines for coaches, managers and competition administrators rather than sanctionable laws.

Format Definition

Competition Tri Tag is the non-contact version of the youth XV game, played 12 a side. Playing time, field size, ball size, scoring, cards, game balance and every welfare provision are the same as the youth XV law set. The tackle, the tackle contest, the ruck and the maul are replaced by the belt mechanic. It is based on the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws and World Rugby Law, adopted and adapted for Tri Tag Rugby. Where this law set does not cover a situation, the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws for the same age group apply. Where those are also silent, World Rugby Law applies.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law.

Playing Numbers

12 players on the field.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

On-Field Player Numbers

Teams must match numbers, unless a player is sanctioned with a Yellow Card or Red Card.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.1 to 3.2 (team numbers).

Minimum Numbers Required for a Game To Take Place

Minimum numbers for a game is 10 players per team. 6 person scrum (front row, second row and No8). The scrum must always have 6 players, at every team size from 10 to 12 players.

Suggested Maximum Squad Size

17

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Squad size is an administrative and participation guideline.

Replacements

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.4 to 3.5. Law 3.34 caps rolling and tactical replacements at 12 where a match organiser permits them.

Playing Area

Full field. All field markings are used and referred to as painted.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 1.3: senior field dimensions are a maximum of 100m x 70m (minimum 94m x 68m).

Ball Size

Size 5 (male). Size 4.5 (female).

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 2.3 to 2.4.

Playing Equipment and Belt Check

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 3.

Recommended Playing Time

60 mins.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Maximum Warm-Up Time

30 mins maximum.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. A match day logistics provision.

Maximum Playing Time within a Day

100 minutes

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Injury Time

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scoring & Conversions

World Rugby Law. Try, conversion, penalty goal and dropped goal all apply.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 8.1 sets senior points values (try 5, conversion 2, penalty goal 3, dropped goal 3).

Field Support – On-Field Coach

No on-field coach. On-field coaching applies at U8 to U10 only. Coaches may coach from behind the player's bench or outside the playing enclosure.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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 / Tri Tag rule book

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

Deliberate Contact

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9 (Foul Play).

Yellow Card

Any player shown a yellow card in a Competition Tri Tag match shall be suspended for a period of: - Five (5) minutes of playing time, when the match is scheduled to be 50 minutes or less in length; - Ten (10) minutes of playing time, when the match is scheduled to be more than 50 minutes in length.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.29 sets the senior sin bin period at 10 minutes.

Red Card

Any player shown a red card in a Competition Tri Tag match is immediately suspended until they attend a judicial hearing. They may be replaced after; - Ten (10) minutes of playing time, when the match is scheduled to be 50 minutes or less in length; - Twenty (20) minutes of playing time, when the match is scheduled to be more than 50 minutes in length. The red carded player cannot return. All Red Cards must be recorded in Rugby Xplorer.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.30.

Blue Card

Blue Card. Managed by the Referee in consultation with the medic, first aid officer or trainer. All Blue Cards must be recorded in Rugby Xplorer.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Concussion Protocol (RA CMP)

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed under World Rugby Concussion Guidance (Regulation 10, Law 3.11) and the RA Concussion Management Procedure.

Bleeding Player

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 3.

Game Balance Law

Not applicable. The Game Balance Law does not apply from U15 onwards.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. This is an RA specific mechanic.

Mouthguards

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 4.3(f): a mouthguard is a permitted item of clothing.

Kick Off & Restarts (after a try)

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 12.4 (restart after a score).

Penalty / Free Kick Options (general mechanic)

Defenders retreat 10 metres back from the mark set by the Referee. Penalty and Free Kick options are as per World Rugby Law. This is the mechanic referenced by every sanction on the Sanctions tab. Penalty Kicks and Free Kicks may be taken quickly, as per World Rugby Law. Turnover restarts cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 20 (penalty and free kick); Law 20.12 (the opposing team must retreat 10m).

Knock-On / Forward Pass Restart

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Turnover Restart

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Tag specific restart.

Advantage

Where foul play meets the Penalty Kick threshold, the Referee may play advantage to allow continuity and flow. If in doubt, award the penalty. Where foul play meets the Yellow Card threshold or higher, including Dangerous Play (WR Laws 9.11 to 9.25) and Misconduct (WR Laws 9.27 and 9.28), advantage is not played. The Referee stops play immediately, except in the act of scoring a try.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 7 (Advantage).

Goal Line Drop Out

Try line drop out if: - the attacking team is tagged in goal - the ball is grounded or made dead by the defending team. Otherwise World Rugby Law, including the goal line drop out applying from 2027.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 12.11 to 12.13.

50m / 22m Kick

Permitted. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.8(a).

Scrum – Set-Up / Numbers

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.5 to 19.6 (8 players in the senior game).

Scrum – Players Removed for Card

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – May Day

Players must know the May Day procedure.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. A scrum safety procedure.

Lineout – Set-Up / Numbers

6 players per team, plus a receiver (halfback) who is additional to the six. Attacking: 1 thrower and 5 lineout participants. Defending: 1 hooker in the channel and 5 lineout participants. The front of the lineout is 5m in from the touch line. The lineout cannot be closer than 5m from the goal line. A quick throw in is permitted under World Rugby Law. Where a quick throw is taken, no lineout forms and the throw, jump and lift requirement does not apply.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.10 to 18.16 (forming a lineout; minimum of 2 players per team).

Lineout – Lifting

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.19 and 18.29(c).

Lineout – Players Removed for Card

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.13 to 18.14.

Age Group Window

• U15: Players turning 14 or 15 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). • U16: Players turning 15 or 16 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). There are no age grade dispensations in Competition Tri Tag. Any exception is managed through the Competition Rules.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Gender Participation

Single gender by default. Boys and girls play in separate competitions. Mixed gender teams may be offered only where the Competition Rules provide for them.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Gender divisions set by Rugby Australia for Tri Tag; mixed teams at U13 to U16 only where Competition Rules provide.

Gender Identity

Rugby Australia supports a player's participation in the gender competition with which they identify. A player wishing to play in a gender competition different to the sex listed on their birth certificate must follow the Gender Identity Dispensation Procedure. Approval rests with the Competition Manager.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Game set up, restarts and management for U17&18. These are guidelines for coaches, managers and competition administrators rather than sanctionable laws.

Format Definition

Competition Tri Tag is the non-contact version of the youth XV game, played 12 a side. Playing time, field size, ball size, scoring, cards, game balance and every welfare provision are the same as the youth XV law set. The tackle, the tackle contest, the ruck and the maul are replaced by the belt mechanic. It is based on the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws and World Rugby Law, adopted and adapted for Tri Tag Rugby. Where this law set does not cover a situation, the Rugby Australia Junior and Youth Laws for the same age group apply. Where those are also silent, World Rugby Law applies.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law.

Playing Numbers

12 players on the field.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

On-Field Player Numbers

Teams must match numbers, unless a player is sanctioned with a Yellow Card or Red Card.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.1 to 3.2 (team numbers).

Minimum Numbers Required for a Game To Take Place

Minimum numbers for a game is 10 players per team. 6 person scrum (front row, second row and No8). The scrum must always have 6 players, at every team size from 10 to 12 players.

Suggested Maximum Squad Size

17

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Squad size is an administrative and participation guideline.

Replacements

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 3.4 to 3.5. Law 3.34 caps rolling and tactical replacements at 12 where a match organiser permits them.

Playing Area

Full field. All field markings are used and referred to as painted.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 1.3: senior field dimensions are a maximum of 100m x 70m (minimum 94m x 68m).

Ball Size

Size 5 (male). Size 4.5 (female).

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 2.3 to 2.4.

Playing Equipment and Belt Check

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 3.

Recommended Playing Time

70 mins

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Maximum Warm-Up Time

30 mins maximum.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. A match day logistics provision.

Maximum Playing Time within a Day

100 minutes

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Injury Time

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scoring & Conversions

World Rugby Law. Try, conversion, penalty goal and dropped goal all apply.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 8.1 sets senior points values (try 5, conversion 2, penalty goal 3, dropped goal 3).

Field Support – On-Field Coach

No on-field coach. On-field coaching applies at U8 to U10 only. Coaches may coach from behind the player's bench or outside the playing enclosure.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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 / Tri Tag rule book

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

Deliberate Contact

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9 (Foul Play).

Yellow Card

Any player shown a yellow card in a Competition Tri Tag match shall be suspended for a period of: - Five (5) minutes of playing time, when the match is scheduled to be 50 minutes or less in length; - Ten (10) minutes of playing time, when the match is scheduled to be more than 50 minutes in length.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.29 sets the senior sin bin period at 10 minutes.

Red Card

Any player shown a red card in a Competition Tri Tag match is immediately suspended until they attend a judicial hearing. They may be replaced after; - Ten (10) minutes of playing time, when the match is scheduled to be 50 minutes or less in length; - Twenty (20) minutes of playing time, when the match is scheduled to be more than 50 minutes in length. The red carded player cannot return. All Red Cards must be recorded in Rugby Xplorer.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 9.30.

Blue Card

Blue Card. Managed by the Referee in consultation with the medic, first aid officer or trainer. All Blue Cards must be recorded in Rugby Xplorer.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Concussion Protocol (RA CMP)

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Governed under World Rugby Concussion Guidance (Regulation 10, Law 3.11) and the RA Concussion Management Procedure.

Bleeding Player

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Tri Tag rule book, Section 3.

Game Balance Law

Not applicable. The Game Balance Law does not apply from U15.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. This is an RA specific mechanic.

Mouthguards

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 4.3(f): a mouthguard is a permitted item of clothing.

Kick Off & Restarts (after a try)

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 12.4 (restart after a score).

Penalty / Free Kick Options (general mechanic)

Defenders retreat 10 metres back from the mark set by the Referee. Penalty and Free Kick options are as per World Rugby Law. This is the mechanic referenced by every sanction on the Sanctions tab. Penalty Kicks and Free Kicks may be taken quickly, as per World Rugby Law. Turnover restarts cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 20 (penalty and free kick); Law 20.12 (the opposing team must retreat 10m).

Knock-On / Forward Pass Restart

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Turnover Restart

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Tag specific restart.

Advantage

Where foul play meets the Penalty Kick threshold, the Referee may play advantage to allow continuity and flow. If in doubt, award the penalty. Where foul play meets the Yellow Card threshold or higher, including Dangerous Play (WR Laws 9.11 to 9.25) and Misconduct (WR Laws 9.27 and 9.28), advantage is not played. The Referee stops play immediately, except in the act of scoring a try.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 7 (Advantage).

Goal Line Drop Out

Try line drop out if: - the attacking team is tagged in goal - the ball is grounded or made dead by the defending team. Otherwise World Rugby Law, including the goal line drop out applying from 2027.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 12.11 to 12.13.

50m / 22m Kick

Permitted. World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.8(a).

Scrum – Set-Up / Numbers

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 19.5 to 19.6 (8 players in the senior game).

Scrum – Players Removed for Card

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Scrum – May Day

Players must know the May Day procedure.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. A scrum safety procedure.

Lineout – Set-Up / Numbers

6 players per team, plus a receiver (halfback) who is additional to the six. Attacking: 1 thrower and 5 lineout participants. Defending: 1 hooker in the channel and 5 lineout participants. The front of the lineout is 5m in from the touch line. The lineout cannot be closer than 5m from the goal line. A quick throw in is permitted under World Rugby Law. Where a quick throw is taken, no lineout forms and the throw, jump and lift requirement does not apply.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.10 to 18.16 (forming a lineout; minimum of 2 players per team).

Lineout – Lifting

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.19 and 18.29(c).

Lineout – Players Removed for Card

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

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Law 18.13 to 18.14.

Age Group Window

• U17: Players turning 16 or 17 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). • U18: Players turning 17 or 18 years of age in the calendar year can participate (acceptable practice / eligible age grades). U17 and U18 are single gender competitions. There are no age grade dispensations in Competition Tri Tag. Any exception is managed through the Competition Rules.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

Gender Participation

Single gender. Boys and girls play in separate competitions.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

Not a World Rugby Law. Gender divisions set by Rugby Australia for Tri Tag; mixed teams at U13 to U16 only where Competition Rules provide.

Gender Identity

Rugby Australia supports a player's participation in the gender competition with which they identify. A player wishing to play in a gender competition different to the sex listed on their birth certificate must follow the Gender Identity Dispensation Procedure. Approval rests with the Competition Manager.

World Rugby law / Tri Tag rule book

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

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