Touch (sport)

Touch is a minimal-contact team sport derived from rugby football. Its core aim is to score tries by touching the ball down over the opposition's try line. The game emphasizes running, agility, passing, and tactical awareness, while minimizing the risk of injury through the prohibition of tackling and other forms of forceful contact.

Gameplay:

Touch is typically played between two teams of six players on a rectangular field, often 70 meters long and 50 meters wide. The game begins with a tap, where a player taps the ball on the ground and picks it up. Possession changes hands when a player is touched by an opponent. A touch can be made on any part of the body, including the ball the player is carrying. After six touches, the ball is turned over to the other team.

Key Rules:

• The Touch: A touch must be made with minimal force. Excessive force can result in a penalty.
• The Rollball: After a touch, the player who was touched places the ball on the ground and steps over it, allowing a teammate to pick it up and continue play. This is called a rollball.
• Offside: Players must be behind the ball when it is played at the rollball.
• Passing: The ball can only be passed backwards. Forward passes result in a turnover.
• The Try: A try is scored when a player touches the ball down on or over the opposition's try line.

Variations:

While the core rules of Touch are consistent, variations exist depending on the level of play and specific tournaments. These variations may involve modifications to field size, number of players, or specific rules regarding penalties or substitutions.

Popularity:

Touch is played in many countries around the world, with organized leagues and tournaments at various levels, from social to elite. It is particularly popular in Australia, New Zealand, England, and other Commonwealth countries. The sport is enjoyed by people of all ages and genders, making it a highly accessible and inclusive activity.

Governing Body:

The international governing body for Touch is the Federation of International Touch (FIT). FIT oversees the development of the sport globally and organizes major international tournaments, including the Touch World Cup.