TOUCH 101
THE BASICS • THE RULES • HOW TO PLAY
New to Touch? Here’s a simple introduction to how the game works, from scoring and touches to rollballs, passing and defending.
HOW THE GAME WORKS
Touch is a fast, simple team sport played with six players from each team on the field. The aim is to move the ball towards the opposition scoreline by passing between teammates, while the defending team tries to stop progress by making a touch.
THE BASICS
These are the key things to know before you start playing. Touch is designed to be simple to pick up, with a few core rules that keep the game fast and flowing.
6 PLAYERS
Each team has six players on the field at a time, with substitutes able to interchange during the game.
PASSING
The ball can be passed sideways or backwards between teammates. A forward pass results in possession changing to the other team.
THE TOUCH
A touch can be made by either the attacking player or defender. After a touch, play restarts with a rollball.
SCORING
A score is awarded when an attacking player places the ball on or beyond the scoreline before being touched.
6 TOUCHES
The attacking team has up to six touches to try to score. After the sixth touch, possession passes to the other team.
ROLLBALL
After a touch, the touched player places the ball on the ground and steps over it. A teammate then picks it up and play continues.
OFFSIDE
After a touch, defenders must retreat at least 7 metres before they can move forward to defend again.
TURNOVER
Possession changes after the sixth touch and following infringements such as a forward pass or dropped ball.
THE PITCH
A full-size Touch pitch is 50 metres wide, with a 70-metre playing field between the scorelines and a 7-metre score zone at each end, giving an overall length of 84 metres. The halfway line and 7-metre lines help position players for restarts and penalties.
PLAYER POSITIONS
A Touch team has six players on the field. Players commonly line up as two Middles, two Links and two Wings, although players move and interchange positions throughout the game.
Middle
Plays through the centre of the field and is heavily involved in both attack and defence.
Link
Plays between the Middle and Wing, helping connect play across the field in attack and defence.
Wing
Plays on the outside edge of the field and is often involved in creating and finishing attacking opportunities.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE ROLLBALL?
After a touch, the touched player places the ball on the mark (where they were touched) and performs a rollball by stepping over the ball. A teammate, known as the Half (or Dummy Half), picks up the ball and play continues. The Half is a temporary role — any player can become the Half by taking possession from the rollball.
THE HALF:
If the Half is touched while in possession, the defending team gains possession. The Half cannot score a touchdown while acting as Half.
RESTARTS & POSSESSION
Touch uses a small number of simple restarts to keep the game moving. The type of restart depends on what has happened, and in some situations possession passes to the other team.
ROLLBALL
After a touch, the touched player returns to the mark and performs a rollball. Play then continues when the Half picks up the ball.
TAP
A tap is used to restart play at the beginning of each half and following certain penalties.
SIXTH TOUCH
A team can have up to six touches while in possession. After the sixth touch, possession passes to the other team.
TURNOVER
Possession can change following infringements such as a forward pass, dropped ball or the Half being touched while in possession.
READY TO PLAY?
Now you know the basics, the best way to learn Touch is to get involved and play. Find a local club or team, join an informal social session, or explore the official rules if you want to learn more.