Cambridge Touch Association
About the game
What is it?
The sport of Touch developed in the 50's as a non-contact training technnique for Rugby League but is now a recognised sport of its own played in many different countries
It is a fun non-contact form of rugby requiring no equipment other than a ball, some players and a place to play. It is suitable for all ages and can be played either in mens, womens or mixed teams
Here at CTA we offer social games, organised leagues, youth modules and our very own representative team - The Hornets. So if you want to get involved keep browsing the site or email Rob Wylie to show your interest
The Rules
The rules of touch are very simple and are modeled on some of the key rules of rugby - without the contact and complexity. The object of the game is simple; score touchdowns (tries) whilst stopping the other team from scoring more than you. There is no kicking, no scrums, no lineouts, no mauls, no rucks and no tackling.
- Teams consist of 6 players and the game is played on a 70m x 50m pitch
- Each team has six touches every possession to score a touchdown by placing the ball over the goaline, if not the ball is handed to the opposition
- The ball can only be passed backwards
- When an attacking player is touched by the opposition 2 things happen:
- The attacker has to stop and "roll" the ball between their legs
- The defending team must retreat 5m back from the line of the touch
- The person who picks the ball up after the touch is called the "half", this person can pass or run with the ball but if they get touched the ball is handed over to the other team. The half cannot score
- If the attacking team loses control of the ball - ball to ground, it is handed over to the other team for a roll ball restart
- If a forward pass is made a penalty is given to the other team. The offending team must retire 10m from the mark of the penalty
Want a better idea
Below are some links to a few videos that will open in a new window. These are highlights from the World Cup in Edinburgh, and the European Championships in Treviso, Italy. These are a great example of how touch is played at the highest level.
