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TOUCH RULES

Our rules, whilst based on ATA’s rules in the main are varied to take into context that most companies are playing socially in our comp – it is simply not first division stuff! However, there will be teams that want to be very competitive and that is always catered for – good clean fun spirited and safety are all elements of our comp.

team composition

Registrations – All teams must have filled out their Team Player List with all players, before the start of the competition. All players on this list are considered Registered Players. If new players join your team during the competition then their names must be added to this list via the online system or via the Sign On sheets at the grounds, otherwise they will not be allowed to play.

Substitutions – Multiple substitutions are permitted and no limit to inter-changes – this is as long as it does not interrupt play, however cannot be use as a tactic as viewed by referee.

Composition – Games are (usually) played with 6 players on the field. All mixed teams are only allowed a maximum of 4 males on the field at one time. All men’s teams will comprise of 6 players. The men’s comp can have female players if you want.

TIMING

Match Times – All lunchtime matches will be 2 x 13 minute halves, with a two-minute break in between. And (most) Evening matches will be 2 x 18 minute halves, with a two-minute break in between. The time goes by our watch – not yours.

On Time: Teams will be expected to start on time as per the draw. Please be ready to take the field on time, already signed in!! Late teams – are not acceptable. After the first 3 minutes of the game, if there are not 3 team members on the field, one goal will be awarded to the opposing team. For every 3 minutes late, a goal will be awarded up until 12 minutes where the team will be forfeited. If a team is late, this time will cut into the first half, ie if a team is 5 minutes late, the opposing team will be awarded 1 goal and the first half will only go for 9 minutes.

NOT ENOUGH PLAYERS?

Forfeit – If a team has to forfeit, then they must notify Anderson Events on 0405 401 853 by phone at least 24 hours prior to match start. The opposing team will receive 4 tries! On your third forfeit we will withdraw the team from the comp without any refund.

Short on players – If you are short on numbers from time to time you can take the field with a minimum of 3 registered team players (but you will be at a disadvantage!). If you have less than 3 registered team players, then you officially forfeit the match and you may play with players from another team in a Friendly match which WILL NOT count for points in the competition.

However if you have 3 registered team players and want to use players from another team to make up your 6 players, and have the game count for points in the competition YOU MUST have the agreement of the Captain (or Captains representative) from the opposing team. The opposing team has the right to request you forfeit and play a friendly match.

POINTS

Points for the preliminary matches will be a follows:

  • WIN = 3 points
  • DRAW = 2 points
  • LOSS = 1 point
  • FORFEIT = 0 points 

Mixed Touch Rule – Girls scoring a goal will be equal to 2 try’s!!
Make sure you sign the scorecard at the end of the game as it shows you agree to the score.

FINALS

Only players who have played more than 3 games in the preliminary rounds will be eligible to play in the finals as per the sign in sheet.

The positioning of each team in the competition will be decided on the following:

  • Number of points
  • Point difference
  • Most goals scored
  • Most number of wins
  • Least number of loses

In the case of drawn matches only in the grand final the drop off procedure will apply (as per ATA rules). In the semi finals if matches are drawn it will be the team that is placed higher on the ladder that will go through as the winner.

  1. The first session of drop off is 2 minutes, then 1 minute thereafter.
  2. The first session of drop off is 1 male, then it is one female, then it is one male until you are finally left with 2 males and 1 female!
  3. In the first set of six, if the team that starts with the ball scores, the opposing team has the opportunity to score by running their first set i.e the team that plays the first set of six cannot win if the ball has not been handled by the opposing team.
TOUCH RULES
  1. Touch Blades are ok. No steel studs allowed. A ref will check these at the start of the game! We must consider the wear and tear of grounds we play on.
  2. Definitions:
    Onside = the position whereby a player may legitimately become involved with play. The referee will say “on” when players are on.
    Rollball = the normal act of bringing the ball into play following a touch or a change of possession. A player is to perform a Rollball under the following circumstances:
    (a) when a touch has been effected;
    (b) when possession changes due to the sixth touch;
    (c) when possession changes due to the ball going to ground;
    (d) when possession changes when the half is touched (or places the ball on or over the scoreline) whilst in possession of the ball;
    Any other player of the attacking team may receive the ball from the Rollball and thus become the half. The half may pass or run with the ball. However, if touched, loses possession.
  3. Penalty is the action by the referee in awarding a tap when a player or team infringes the rules of the game. Tap is the method of commencing the match, recommencing the match after half time and after a touchdown has been scored.
  4. The Touch.
    After a touch has been effected, the player in possession is required to stop, return to the mark where the touch occurred if the mark has been over-run, and perform a Rollball without delay. Passing after Touch. A player is not to pass or otherwise deliver the ball after a touch.
  5. During Play.
    – All Players of the defending team are to retire a distance of 5 metres or more from the mark for a Rollball. Defenders cannot move forward until the half has made contact with the ball.- Any defending player involved in a touch must immediately retire to a position along a line 5 metres from the touch or to their own defending scoreline.
    – The half cannot score touchdowns. They are unrestricted as to where they can run and may cross the scoreline to link up with support players. If they are touched, change of possession occurs.
    – Following the sixth touch or the loss of possession due to any other means, players of the team losing possession are to hand, or pass the ball to the nearest opposition player, or place the ball on the ground at the mark without delay. Attacking players who request the ball are to be given the ball. Players are not to delay the changeover procedure.
    – Ball to Ground. If the ball is dropped to the ground a change of possession results. The mark for a change of possession is where the ball first pitches or where the attacking player dropped or passed the ball, whichever is of greater advantage to the team gaining possession.
    – Players may intercept behind the defending scoreline. If a player in possession is touched or effects a touch whilst on or behind their defending scoreline the touch counts and play is restarted with a Rollball five (5) metres forward of the scoreline from where the player was touched.
FOULS, MISCONDUCT & SAFETY

Safety – Player safety, especially toward female players, is our number one priority. We ask to tone down tackling in our competitions.
Fouls and Misconduct – decided by Referee – no arguments! Warning: 1 verbal warning from referee or 2 min sin bin where player can be substituted. Any further action, player will be sent off. Referees have the right to send a player from the field for the following actions:
– Swearing at the official, team-mate or opponent
– Dangerous play that could/will cause an injury to another player
– Unsportsmanlike conduct (e.g., throwing a ball away, taunting players)
– Aggressive or violent behavior
From time to time players may become rude, aggressive or dangerous and this is behaviour which is not tolerated. The umpire may decide to caution the players; separate those on the court or sin bin them for a period of time. If the players are involved in a serious physical altercation then the players name must be recorded and Anderson Events must be advised. All Team Captains are responsible for disciplining their team members and you should always speak to the Team Captain first about the player behaviour if they are available. The referee may also penalise the team captain for the teams’ behaviour.

Injuries & Blood Bin Time

Anderson Events operates under an injury policy where the clock never stops, so we keep the games running to time so teams playing after you are not disadvantaged; and that as we are a social league, that player safety and enjoyment of the game are primary concerns. This is reflected in our injury policy whereby if an injury occurs and a player leaves the field then another player can sub in and players may change positions, as long as the opposition also has the opportunity to change positions in response to this. 

Players leaving the field due to blood are at the referee’s discretion. Play may be halted at the agreement of both teams, but no time is to be recovered. If the game has progressed beyond half- time and a major injury occurs, then the score line at that time will stand. If not, then it will be at the discretion of Anderson Events whether the match will be replayed.