Tag X - How the Game Works

The aim of Tag X is to score more points than the opposing team by full time. Points are earned by scoring tries, which happens when a player places the ball on or over the try line.

The game is played on a rectangular playing area (roughly half of a rugby pitch) with two teams of six or seven players each. Players wear tags attached to their shorts, which defenders must remove to stop the ball carrier. The game emphasizes speed, agility, and teamwork, making it suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.

The TAG X Rulebook

Number of Players

• A standard game features seven players per team, although some formats may use different numbers.

Passing

• Players may pass the ball backwards or sideways, but not forwards.

Scoring

• A try is worth 1 point.
• In mixed gender games, a try scored by a female player is worth 2 points.
• There are no conversions in Tag Rugby.

Tagging and Restarting Play

• Defenders stop the ball carrier by removing their tag.
• The defender raises the tag, then drops it at the spot where the tag occurred.
• The tagged player returns to the mark, places the ball on the ground, and rolls it backward with their foot—this is called a roll ball or play the ball.

Defensive Positioning

• One defender (the marker) may stand directly in front of the attacker, within one metre, during the roll ball.
• The rest of the defenders must be 7 metres back and in line with the referee.

Dummy Half Rules

• The dummy half is the player who picks up the ball after the roll ball and distributes it.
• They may pick up and run or pass the ball while wearing one or no tags, but may only take one step before passing if they have fewer than two tags.
• The dummy half can be tagged and can score a try.

Time Limit at the Roll Ball

• If the dummy half delays picking up the ball, the referee may start a three-second countdown.
• If the ball isn't picked up in time, possession changes to the defending team at the same location.
• The marker must stay square and stationary until the dummy half touches the ball.
• Any interference by the marker results in a penalty to the attacking team.
• The referee may begin the 3-second count earlier if the roll ball is unnecessarily delayed.

Possession and Turnovers

• Each team has six plays (or tags) to advance the ball before possession changes.
• If a player is tagged while wearing one or no tags, they must stop and perform a roll ball.
• Surrendering (voluntarily stopping for a tag) is not allowed and results in a penalty.

Contact and Safety

• Tag X is a minimal-contact sport.
• Attackers must avoid defenders and cannot initiate contact.
• Defenders may not step into the path of attackers.
• Whoever initiates contact will be penalised.
• Ball carriers may not protect their tags using hands, elbows, or the ball.
• Deliberate fending or blocking of a defender’s hand is not allowed.

Ball Handling

• If the attacker is tagged at the same time they release the ball, play continues (advantage to the attacker).
• If a player trips or falls to their knees:
  • Play on if no defender is within tagging distance.
  • Deemed tagged if a defender is within tagging distance.
• A defender cannot dive on or pick up a loose ball from a knock-on or knock-back.

Kicking Rules

• Kicks are allowed as long as the ball stays below the referee's shoulder height before bouncing.
• No drop kicks are allowed.
• Players must not dive, slip, or fall on a kicked ball.
• A player may kick a loose ball only if:
  • No opponent is reaching for it with their hands.
  • The kick stays below shoulder height before bouncing.

History of Tag Rugby

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