If you are a beginner to tag rugby, the lingo can often come at you thick and fast, and leave you thinking, what on earth does that mean? You are not alone! We have all felt that way when starting out so we have put together a handy guide to tag rugby terminology which aims to help all taggers learn the language of tag!
Common Tag Rugby terms
Below are some tag rugby terms which could be considered the most common ones that you will hear on a tag rugby pitch.
- Tag - Usually followed by a number e.g. Tag 1, Tag 2… this is the call when a tag has been successful. The attacker must go back to where the tag was made to restart play. At ‘Tag 6’, a turnover is awarded, and possession will go to the opposition.
- Contact – A collision of bodies whether deliberate or accidental, resulting in a penalty
- Simultaneous – A tag and a pass/kick are made at the same time (simultaneously). The referee will say ‘Simultaneous’ and play will continue without the tag counting towards the tag count.
- Forward Pass – A pass is judged as forward by the referee. A penalty will be awarded.
- Knock-on – Propelling the ball forward with hand or arm towards the opponents try line and not regathering before the ball lands on the ground
- Fending – When a player used their hand, arm, ball or body to prevent being tagged
- Closing the gap – When two or more defenders come together and close the gap of the line that the ball carrier was committed to running through causing contact
- Advantage – Allows play to continue despite an offence or infringement if it is to the advantage of the team. The referee will determine whether the advantage has been taken, and if not, then play will revert back to the original infringement.
- Offside – As a defender, you are offside if you do not retreat the required distance eg. After a tag or a penalty. As an attacker, you are offside if in front of the player in possession
Once you get to grips with the above terms, you will have no trouble getting stuck into a tag rugby match! But remember, if you ever do find yourself lost, there will always be a friendly tagger, referee or coach who can help explain. Have fun, get tagging!
Next up: We dive deeper into the tag rugby lingo in Tag Rugby Terminology: Part 2, where we will begin to explain more complex rules and terms