Rules hub

Tag League Rules

Everything you need to understand the game, from the basic flow of play to scoring, kicking, bonus tags and competition rules.

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8 Players on the field per team.
6 Tags per attacking set.
7m Defensive line after each tag.
Low Contact format with no tackling.
Kick Kicking is part of the game.
Bonus Bonus tags create extra tactics.
Official rules

Download the full Tag League rule book.

This page gives you the quick version. For full competition rules, eligibility, penalties and detailed gameplay explanations, download the official rule book.

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Game flow

How a set unfolds.

Tag League is easiest to understand when you see the flow. Each team gets six tags to move the ball, build pressure and score.

01

Start the set

Your team begins with possession and works the ball downfield.

02

Run, pass or kick

Use Rugby League style shape to move defenders and create space.

03

Defender makes a tag

The play stops when a defender removes the ball carrier’s tag.

04

Reset and play

Replace the tag, play the ball and continue the attacking set.

05

Score a try

Ground the ball over the try line before your six tags run out.

06

Changeover

If you use all six tags, possession turns over to the other team.

Core rules

The basics players need to know.

These are the main rules players should understand before taking the field.

01

Tags replace tackles

A defender stops the play by removing a tag from the ball carrier’s shorts or tights. Once tagged, the attacker must stop, replace the tag and play the ball.

02

Six tags per set

The attacking team has six tags to score. If the team is tagged six times before scoring, possession changes over.

03

Kicking is allowed

Kicking is part of Tag League and gives teams another way to build pressure, gain field position and create attacking opportunities.

04

Low contact gameplay

Tag League is not a tackle competition. Players must avoid heavy contact, dangerous play, pushing, blocking and unnecessary physicality.

05

Bonus tag tactics

Bonus tags add another layer of strategy to the game, rewarding smart attacking play and giving teams a way to create momentum.

Rule categories

Find the rule you need quickly.

Use these expandable sections as a quick reference for the most common rule areas.

The Basics

Tag League is played with attacking and defending teams. The attacking team tries to score by grounding the ball over the try line, while the defending team stops play by removing tags. Tag League is a non tackling version of Rugby League.
Maximum of 8 players at any one time. Mixed competitions are played with 4 guys and 4 girls.

  • Each attacking set contains six tags.
  • Players wear tags on approved Tag League shorts or tights.
  • The ball carrier must play the ball after being tagged.
  • An attacker must stop and play the ball if they are in possession with only one tag on. The only persons able to promote the ball with one tag on are the dummy half, and the player taking the tap (as long as they do not take more than one step with the ball.)
  • Possession changes after the sixth tag or an error.
  • Defence must be back seven metres.
  • Defensive line can move forward only when dummy half touches the ball.
  • Dummy half can run and be tagged with the ball.
  • The game is non-contact, the attacker cannot deliberately bump into defender. A defender cannot change direction and move into attackers path. Whoever initiates contact will be penalised. The onus is on the attacking player to avoid the defender.
Kicking

Kicking gives the game a stronger Rugby League feel and creates more tactical options for attacking teams.

  • Kicks can be used to gain territory or create scoring chances.
  • Players must avoid dangerous or reckless kicks (must not go above the referees shoulders).
  • Kick pressure must still remain low contact.
  • Chip kicks are allowed, however the kicker must also regather the ball.
  • Kick offs and line drop outs. If the ball lands in the field of play and then rolls across the try line whether touched or not a line drop out occurs. Try line is the dead ball line for all kicks.
  • A team may elect to kick for touch off a line drop out. If the ball successfully lands in the field of play and goes into touch within or beyond ten metres of the half way line, the team that kicked the ball will be awarded a play the ball ten meters in from the touch line where the ball crossed.
  • Half Ten. If an attacking player punt kicks (on an allowable kick play) from within their half of the field and the ball finds touch within ten meters from the opposing goal line, the team that kicked the ball will be awarded a play the ball ten meters in from the touch line where the ball crossed.
  • If the ball is kicked or passed into the referee, the referee will order a changeover at the position where he was struck.
Scoring

A try is scored when an attacking player grounds the ball over the opposition try line while still in possession.

  • The player must be in control of the ball.
  • The player must not have been tagged before grounding the ball.
  • The referee has final say on all scoring decisions.
  • The ball carrier is not allowed to protect their tag or fend off defenders.
  • Simultaneous tag is play on. (If the referee is unable to decide, the pass is allowed – play on. The advantage goes to attacking team)
  • Players can dive to score a try, however, if this player touches the ground with the knees or arms before the try line or slides across the line and a defender is within tagging distance a try is disallowed and a tag is counted.
  • An attacker may not pass the ball once he has run over his/her try-line. If the ball is dropped in goal, the ball is deemed dead. A player in possession may run behind his/her try-line and back out into the field of play.
Bonus Tags

Bonus tags are designed to reward tactical play and create extra attacking opportunities.

Each team designates one Bonus Tag wearer before kick-off (recorded at check-in). The wearer’s tries are double points. No swaps during the game. A player may wear the Bonus Tag max 3 times per season, and only once in finals.

  • Bonus tag rules may vary by competition format.
  • Teams should check the official rule book for the full explanation.
  • Referees will manage bonus tag situations during the game.
Misconduct and Contact

Tag League is a low contact sport. Any unnecessary contact, dangerous play, abuse, fighting or repeated misconduct may result in penalties, sin bins, send offs or further action.

  • No heavy contact or tackling.
  • No pushing, striking or dangerous blocking.
  • Respect referees, opposition players and competition staff.
Mixed Competition Rules

Mixed competitions may include specific rules around team balance, scoring and player combinations.

  • Check your competition details before taking the field.
  • Teams must have 4 men and 4 women on the field.
  • Team balance requirements may apply.
  • Mixed competition formats may vary between venues.
The difference

Why Tag League rules feel different.

Tag League

  • Rugby League inspired attacking structure
  • Kicking allowed as part of gameplay
  • Tags worn on shorts or tights
  • Six tag sets create tactical pressure
  • Low contact, high speed and high skill

Other formats

  • Often less tactical kicking involvement
  • Can feel more stop start
  • May not replicate Rugby League structure
  • Different equipment and rule formats
  • Less connection to traditional league shape

Still unsure about a rule?

Get in touch with the Tag League team and we’ll help explain the rule before you take the field.

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