Rugby Australia · Tri Tag Rugby · Law Set

Youth Tournament Tri Tag Rugby Laws

What it is

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

Examples

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

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

Tag (replaces Tackle)

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

Penalty Kick (PK) to the non-offending team. Advantage is applied as set out in the Advantage row on the Management tab. Deliberate or repeated contact is foul play and is dealt with under the card framework for the age group.

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Tag – Ball Carrier Evasion (replaces Fend / Palm)

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Fend: Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m. Any other evasion offence: an automatic tag at the point the act occurred. Play restarts from the ruck at that point and the tag is counted.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Tag – Late and Pre Tag

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Section 5.

Tag – Ball Placement

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly. Pass after the tag: turnover, and the game restarts with a tap at the point of the tag. Defenders retreat 10m. The tap cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

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

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Ruck – Defending (replaces tackle contest numbers)

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Obstruction

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Voluntary Tag and Surrender

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Section 6.

Diving and Aerial Contest

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 4 and 7.

Tag Count

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

After the seventh tag: Changeover. The new attacking team restarts with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

No World Rugby Law equivalent.

Maul

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Offside

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament 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, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Kicking (General Play)

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

• A player 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Engagement

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The scrum must be engaged and stable with crouch, bind, set. No deliberate push is permitted. The hooker must strike for the ball with their foot. The team feeding the ball must win the scrum. The defending hooker must not strike for the ball. The scrum is 3 players per team: 2 props and a hooker. Teams must be ready within 15 seconds of the mark being made or at the Referee's discretion.

How the law can be broken

• A prop does not crouch, bind and set correctly before engagement. • The scrum is not stable at engagement. • The defending hooker strikes for the ball. • A team is not ready to form the scrum within 15 seconds of the mark being made.

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Push

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The scrum is uncontested. No deliberate push is permitted.

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Binds

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

Crutch binding is allowed in all junior and youth age groups. Any team may choose to waist bind, but the opposition may continue to crutch bind. Within your own team, either crutch or waist bind must be used, there cannot be a mix. All other binding requirements are as per World Rugby Law. All three players must stay bound to the scrum until the scrum ends.

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Ball Use

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

• A player other than the halfback lifts the ball from the base of the scrum.

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Use It Call

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

• The halfback does not play the ball within 5 seconds of the “Use it!” call from the Referee.

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Crooked Feed

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament 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: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Offside Line

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament 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 player breaks from the scrum before the scrum ends. • The defending halfback does not start at the midpoint of the scrum. • Once the ball is fed, the defending halfback moves beyond the midpoint of the scrum.

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Lineout – Lifting and Support

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

Only the attacking team may jump and lift. Lifting is by the legs or shorts. The jumper must be lowered to the ground safely. The defending team must not jump, lift or 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, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Lineout – Skill Execution

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The attacking team must make an attempt to complete the lineout skill of throw, jump and lift a player, and then either release the ball off the top or bring it down and pop. The lineout is a minimum of 3 lineout players per team. The attacking team decides how many players above three it uses and the defending team must match that number. The thrower and the receiver are additional. 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 ball is thrown over the lineout. • Either team has fewer than 3 lineout players. • The defending team does not match the attacking team's lineout numbers. 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: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18 (lineout) generally. Rugby Australia Tri Tag variation.

Lineout – Throw

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18.23 (the throw must be straight). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Lineout – Ball Use

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Lineout – Offside Line

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament 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, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Restart – Timing and Accuracy

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Conversion – Timing

U13&14

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

Kick is disallowed.

Restart post-sanction

The try scoring team restarts play.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

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

Tag (replaces Tackle)

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Tag – Ball Carrier Evasion (replaces Fend / Palm)

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Tag – Late and Pre Tag

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Section 5.

Tag – Ball Placement

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

Restart post-sanction

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

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

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Ruck – Defending (replaces tackle contest numbers)

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

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, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Obstruction

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Voluntary Tag and Surrender

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Section 6.

Diving and Aerial Contest

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 4 and 7.

Tag Count

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

Restart post-sanction

After the seventh tag: Changeover. The new attacking team restarts with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

No World Rugby Law equivalent.

Maul

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Offside

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Kicking (General Play)

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Engagement

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Push

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The scrum is uncontested. No deliberate push is permitted.

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Binds

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Ball Use

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

• A player other than the halfback lifts the ball from the base of the scrum.

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Use It Call

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

• The halfback does not play the ball within 5 seconds of the “Use it!” call from the Referee.

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Crooked Feed

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament 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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Offside Line

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Lineout – Lifting and Support

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Lineout – Skill Execution

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18 (lineout) generally. Rugby Australia Tri Tag variation.

Lineout – Throw

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18.23 (the throw must be straight). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Lineout – Ball Use

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Lineout – Offside Line

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament 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, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Restart – Timing and Accuracy

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Conversion – Timing

U15&16

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

Kick is disallowed.

Restart post-sanction

The try scoring team restarts play.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

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

Tag (replaces Tackle)

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Tag – Ball Carrier Evasion (replaces Fend / Palm)

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Tag – Late and Pre Tag

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Section 5.

Tag – Ball Placement

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

Restart post-sanction

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 2 and 6.

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

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Changeover. The new attacking team restarts with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Ruck – Defending (replaces tackle contest numbers)

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

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, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Obstruction

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Voluntary Tag and Surrender

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Section 6.

Diving and Aerial Contest

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Tri Tag rule book, Sections 4 and 7.

Tag Count

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

Restart post-sanction

After the seventh tag: Changeover. The new attacking team restarts with a tap at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m. This turnover restart cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

No World Rugby Law equivalent.

Maul

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Offside

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Kicking (General Play)

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Engagement

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Push

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

The scrum is uncontested. No deliberate push is permitted.

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Binds

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Ball Use

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

• A player other than the halfback lifts the ball from the base of the scrum.

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Use It Call

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

• The halfback does not play the ball within 5 seconds of the “Use it!” call from the Referee.

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Crooked Feed

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament 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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Scrum – Offside Line

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Lineout – Lifting and Support

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Lineout – Skill Execution

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18 (lineout) generally. Rugby Australia Tri Tag variation.

Lineout – Throw

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 18.23 (the throw must be straight). No Sevens Variation. World Rugby Law applies as written.

Lineout – Ball Use

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Lineout – Offside Line

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament 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, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Restart – Timing and Accuracy

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

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

Restart post-sanction

Free Kick to the non-offending team: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders retreat 10m.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Conversion – Timing

U17&18

Rugby Australia tournament Tri Tag law

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

How the law can be broken

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

Sanction

Kick is disallowed.

Restart post-sanction

The try scoring team restarts play.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

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

Format Definition

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Playing Numbers

7 players on the field.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

On-Field Player Numbers

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 3.1 to 3.2.

Minimum Numbers Required for a Game To Take Place

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Suggested Maximum Match Day Squad Size

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Replacements

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 3.4 and 3.5 cap replacements at five.

Playing Area

Full field. World Rugby Sevens is played on a full size field. Competition Rules may modify the field size for Tournament Tri Tag.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Ball Size

Size 4 (male and female).

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Playing Equipment and Belt Check

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Recommended Playing Time

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Maximum Matches within a Day

Maximum 6 matches in a day.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Maximum Playing Time within a Day

84 minutes (6 x 14min matches)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Minimum Recovery Between Matches

Minimum 30 minutes between the end of one match and the start of the next.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Maximum Warm-Up Time

20 minutes before the first match of the day. 10 minutes before each subsequent match.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Extra Time and Drawn Matches

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Injury Time

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 5.5(a).

Scoring & Conversions

Try and conversion. The conversion must be a drop kick and must be taken within 30 seconds of the try being awarded or at the discretion of the referee. The kick is disallowed if not taken within 30 seconds. Opposing players assemble close to their own 10m line (Sevens Variation 8.14). Penalty goals and dropped goals are permitted and must be drop kicked (Sevens Variation 20.8 and 8.24).

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Field Support – On-Field Coach

No on-field coach. 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Contact Prohibition

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Deliberate Contact

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

World Rugby Law 9.

Yellow Card

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Red Card

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Blue Card

Blue Card. Managed by the Referee in consultation with the medic, first aid officer or trainer. Player Welfare is the number one consideration: if in doubt, sit them out (and apply the CMP)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Concussion Protocol (RA CMP)

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Bleeding Player

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

World Rugby Law 3.

Game Balance Law

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Mouthguards

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 4.3(f).

Kick Off & Restarts (after a try)

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Penalty / Free Kick Options (general mechanic)

Penalty Kick: the non-offending team may choose any penalty option, or a scrum at the mark. Any kick at goal must be a drop kick. Defenders back 10m. Free Kick: a tap, a kick or a scrum at the mark. Defenders back 10m. Penalty Kicks and Free Kicks may be taken quickly (World Rugby Law). Turnover restarts, and a tap chosen instead of a scrum at a knock on or forward pass, cannot be taken quickly.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Advantage

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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

In-Goal Restart

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Try Line Drop Out

Applies only where an attacker is tagged in goal before grounding the ball (see In-Goal Restart). Every other in goal restart is the 7s 22m drop out (Sevens Variation 12.11).

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 12.11 restarts with a 22m drop out.

Knock-On / Forward Pass Restart

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 11.1 to 11.2 and Law 19.1.

Turnover Restart

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Scrum – Set-Up / Numbers

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.5 as varied by Sevens Variation 19.5.

Scrum – Uncontested Scrums

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 3.15 to 3.20.

Scrum – May Day

Players must know the May Day procedure.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Lineout – Set-Up / Numbers

A minimum of 3 lineout players per team. The attacking team decides how many players above three it uses and the defending team must match that number. The thrower and the receiver are additional. The front of the lineout is 5m in from the touch line. The lineout must be formed within 15 seconds of the mark of touch being indicated, or at the Referee's discretion. 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Lineout – Lifting

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Age Group Window

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Heat and Hydration

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Gender Participation

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Gender Identity

Rugby Australia supports a player's participation in the gender competition with which they identify. 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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

Format Definition

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Playing Numbers

7 players on the field.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

On-Field Player Numbers

Teams are not required to match numbers (World Rugby Law).

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 3.1 to 3.2.

Minimum Numbers Required for a Game To Take Place

5 players per team. Teams are not required to match numbers (World Rugby Law). No trained front row is required; every Tri Tag scrum is uncontested.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Suggested Maximum Match Day Squad Size

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Replacements

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 3.4 and 3.5 cap replacements at five.

Playing Area

Full field. World Rugby Sevens is played on a full size field. Competition Rules may modify the field size for Tournament Tri Tag.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Ball Size

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Playing Equipment and Belt Check

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Recommended Playing Time

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Maximum Matches within a Day

Maximum 6 matches in a day.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Maximum Playing Time within a Day

84 minutes (6 x 14min matches)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Minimum Recovery Between Matches

Minimum 30 minutes between the end of one match and the start of the next.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Maximum Warm-Up Time

20 minutes before the first match of the day. 10 minutes before each subsequent match.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Extra Time and Drawn Matches

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Injury Time

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 5.5(a).

Scoring & Conversions

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Field Support – On-Field Coach

No on-field coach. 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Contact Prohibition

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Deliberate Contact

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

World Rugby Law 9.

Yellow Card

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Red Card

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Blue Card

Blue Card. Managed by the Referee in consultation with the medic, first aid officer or trainer. Player Welfare is the number one consideration: if in doubt, sit them out (and apply the CMP)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Concussion Protocol (RA CMP)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Bleeding Player

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

World Rugby Law 3.

Game Balance Law

Not applicable unless determined by local Competition Rules.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Mouthguards

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 4.3(f).

Kick Off & Restarts (after a try)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Penalty / Free Kick Options (general mechanic)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Advantage

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

In-Goal Restart

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Try Line Drop Out

Applies only where an attacker is tagged in goal before grounding the ball (see In-Goal Restart). Every other in goal restart is the 7s 22m drop out (Sevens Variation 12.11).

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 12.11 restarts with a 22m drop out.

Knock-On / Forward Pass Restart

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 11.1 to 11.2 and Law 19.1.

Turnover Restart

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Scrum – Set-Up / Numbers

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.5 as varied by Sevens Variation 19.5.

Scrum – Uncontested Scrums

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 3.15 to 3.20.

Scrum – May Day

Players must know the May Day procedure.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Lineout – Set-Up / Numbers

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Lineout – Lifting

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Age Group Window

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Heat and Hydration

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Gender Participation

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Gender Identity

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

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

Format Definition

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Playing Numbers

7 players on the field.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

On-Field Player Numbers

Teams are not required to match numbers (World Rugby Law).

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 3.1 to 3.2.

Minimum Numbers Required for a Game To Take Place

5 players per team. Teams are not required to match numbers (World Rugby Law). No trained front row is required; every Tri Tag scrum is uncontested.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Suggested Maximum Match Day Squad Size

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Replacements

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 3.4 and 3.5 cap replacements at five.

Playing Area

Full field. World Rugby Sevens is played on a full size field. Competition Rules may modify the field size for Tournament Tri Tag.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Ball Size

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Playing Equipment and Belt Check

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Recommended Playing Time

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Maximum Matches within a Day

Maximum 6 matches in a day.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Maximum Playing Time within a Day

84 minutes (6 x 14min matches)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Minimum Recovery Between Matches

Minimum 30 minutes between the end of one match and the start of the next.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Maximum Warm-Up Time

20 minutes before the first match of the day. 10 minutes before each subsequent match.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Extra Time and Drawn Matches

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Injury Time

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 5.5(a).

Scoring & Conversions

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Field Support – On-Field Coach

No on-field coach. 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 / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Contact Prohibition

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Deliberate Contact

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

World Rugby Law 9.

Yellow Card

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Red Card

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Blue Card

Blue Card. Managed by the Referee in consultation with the medic, first aid officer or trainer. Player Welfare is the number one consideration: if in doubt, sit them out (and apply the CMP)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Concussion Protocol (RA CMP)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Bleeding Player

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

World Rugby Law 3.

Game Balance Law

Not applicable unless determined by local Competition Rules.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Mouthguards

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 4.3(f).

Kick Off & Restarts (after a try)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Penalty / Free Kick Options (general mechanic)

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Advantage

World Rugby Law.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

In-Goal Restart

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Try Line Drop Out

Applies only where an attacker is tagged in goal before grounding the ball (see In-Goal Restart). Every other in goal restart is the 7s 22m drop out (Sevens Variation 12.11).

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Sevens Variation 12.11 restarts with a 22m drop out.

Knock-On / Forward Pass Restart

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 11.1 to 11.2 and Law 19.1.

Turnover Restart

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Scrum – Set-Up / Numbers

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 19.5 as varied by Sevens Variation 19.5.

Scrum – Uncontested Scrums

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Law 3.15 to 3.20.

Scrum – May Day

Players must know the May Day procedure.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Lineout – Set-Up / Numbers

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Lineout – Lifting

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

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

Age Group Window

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Heat and Hydration

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

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Gender Participation

Single gender. Boys and girls play in separate competitions.

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.

Gender Identity

World Rugby law / Sevens variation / Tri Tag reference

Not a World Rugby Law.