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Touch

Age to start:

Many competitions provide social and fun grades for as young as 5 and 6 year olds up to 18 years. For the more competitive players, provinces provide representation pathways in most parts on New Zealand.

Rules of the game:

The basic rules of Touch are;

  • The game is played over two up-to-20 minutes halves with an oval ‘touch’ ball
  • Touch is played on a rectangular field – the touchdown zone is the area beyond the scoreline
  • Each team starts with six players on the field and up to 8 substitutions. Players may interchange at any time
  • Players must pass only backward and before being ‘touched’ by an opponent
    • Possession changes after 6 touches, a dropped ball or an incorrect ‘play’ A touchdown is awarded when a player places the ball on or over the scoreline prior to being touched

Find the rules of Touch

Suitability:

Touch is suitable for boys and girls and teams may be separate or mixed. It is a fun, low-cost, low time involvement sport that caters for all levels of ability. It is a non-contact sport so the risk of serious injury is minimal.

Sign up dates:

Most touch competitions are co-ordinated by the provincial touch association who can link you to your local clubs, module associations, and school or college ompetitions.

Sporting Tips:

To participate in Touch you are required to;

  • Be physically fit
  • Possess good passing and catching skills
  • Possess agility
  • Have decision-making ability

Visit the Junior Touch website

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