Tag rugby is a non-contact form of rugby in which teams run, pass and kick the ball to score tries. Instead of tackling an opponent, defenders remove a tag attached to the ball carrier's shorts.

​

The objective is to score more points than the opposition before the end of the match.

​

Tag Rugby Ireland uses a local variation of the International Tag Federation laws for its social mixed leagues. Some elite and specialist competitions use different formats or additional rules. Always check the regulations that apply to your competition.

​

1. Teams and players

Players on the pitch:
 

• Social mixed tag is played with up to seven players per team on the pitch.

• A maximum of four male players may be on the pitch at any one time.

• Teams normally play with four male and three female players.

• A team must have at least five players to start a match, including at least one female player.

• A team does not have to field three female players at all times, but fielding fewer than three limits the team to fewer than seven players.

• Squads may include up to 14 players for a league night, subject to the applicable competition regulations.

​

Player eligibility and equipment:

Players must be properly registered and meet the eligibility requirements of their competition.

Players should wear the appropriate tag shorts, with tags correctly attached and visible. Shirts must not obstruct the tags. Jewellery, watches and other potentially dangerous items should not be worn during play.

Footwear and any other equipment must comply with the competition's safety requirements.

​

2. Scoring tries

A try is scored when an attacking player carries the ball over the opposition try line and grounds it in accordance with the laws.

​

Standard social mixed scoring:

• Male try: 1 point.

• Female try: 3 points.

• Female try in the bonus box: 4 points

​

The bonus box is a marked area at each try line, typically five metres wide and three metres deep. A male try scored inside the bonus box remains worth one point.

​

The Accelerate-Her rule:

Under the local Accelerate-Her variation, the points awarded for a female try can increase when a team fields additional female players.

​

The published local rules specify:

• Four female players on the pitch: four points per female try.

• Five female players on the pitch: five points per female try.

• The same principle continues for higher numbers of female players, where permitted.

​

The bonus-box scoring and Accelerate-Her provisions should be confirmed against the rules for the particular league before a match.

​

3. Tagging

Tagging replaces tackling. A defender attempts to remove one of the tags attached to the ball carrier's shorts.

​

• A defender may attempt to take a tag from either side of the attacker.

• The defender must not initiate contact or impede the attacker's progress while attempting the tag.

• Defenders must take the tag rather than grab the player's clothing or body.

• Players must not deliberately obstruct, hold or push an opponent.

• Once a tag has been made, the defender should hold up the tag to make the referee and other players aware of the tag.

​

Tagging must be controlled and safe. A tag does not give a defender permission to make contact with the attacker.

​

4. Restarting play after a tag

When the ball carrier is tagged, they must return to the mark where the tag occurred.

The player then:

​

1. Returns to the mark.

2. Places the ball on the ground in front of the defender who made the tag.

3. Uses their foot to roll the ball backwards towards their own team.

​

This is commonly called a roll-ball or play-the-ball. The ball must be rolled using the foot. Players should follow the referee's instructions about the mark and the restart.

​

5. Passing and moving the ball

Players may run with the ball, pass to teammates and use permitted kicks to advance towards the opposition try line.

​

• Players must not pass the ball forwards.

• Players must not deliberately drop or throw the ball forwards.

• A kick may be used to advance the ball, subject to the applicable kicking laws.

• Players must respect the rules governing offside, possession and restarts.

• Teammates must support the attack without obstructing defenders or interfering illegally with play.

​

6. Kicking

Kicking is permitted under the local social rules.

• Players may use a grubber kick during a match.

• Players must not kick dangerously or towards an opponent in a manner that risks injury.

• Kicks must be below the shoulder height of the referee before the first bounce. 

​

Only female players may take kick-offs at restarts under the published local social rules.

​

7. Diving

Players may dive to score a try, but the dive must be controlled and safe.

​

• The ball must be placed on the ground before the player's elbows or knees make contact with the ground.

• Swallow dives are not permitted.

• The referee may disallow a dive considered dangerous.

• A defending player must not dive on a loose ball to secure possession.

• A player whose team has kicked the ball from their hand may dive on it only to score a try

​

8. The mercy rule

The mercy-rule provision is intended to help keep matches competitive.

​

• If a team leads by ten points or more, the bonus box becomes null and void for that team while it maintains a lead of ten points or more.

• When a team is ten or more points behind, the team conceding the score restarts with a tap-kick from halfway and retains possession, rather than kicking the ball back to the opposition.

​

9. Safety and fair play

Social tag rugby is a non-contact sport. Players are responsible for keeping themselves and their opponents safe.

​

Players must not:

​

• Tackle, push, hold or deliberately obstruct an opponent.

• Deliberately initiate contact.

• Make dangerous challenges or dives.

• Wear equipment that presents a risk to other players.

​

Players must respect the referee, opponents, teammates and competition staff. Referees are responsible for applying the laws and may penalise unsafe or unfair behaviour.

​

10. Referees and decisions

The referee is responsible for managing the match, identifying infringements and applying the relevant sanctions.

​

Players should:

• Listen to the referee's instructions.

• Stop or restart play when instructed.

• Respect decisions even when they disagree.

• Ask questions calmly and through the appropriate captain or competition procedure.

​

If a player is uncertain about a ruling, they should seek clarification in an appropriate tone, at an appropriate break in play, rather than interrupting the match.

​

11. Which laws apply to my competition?

These notes summarise the social mixed rules. They are intended as a guide for players, not as a substitute for the complete rulebook.

​

Elite eight-a-side leagues, representative competitions, tournaments and other specialist formats may use different laws, scoring systems, eligibility requirements or disciplinary procedures.

​

Before playing, check the current competition regulations and any instructions issued by Tag Rugby Ireland or the tournament organiser.

 

For the complete laws: consult the current International Tag Federation rulebook and the specific local competition rules supplied by the organiser.