TEAM FORMAT

6-a-side

Each team fields six (6) players on the field.

Teams must include:

  • Minimum two (2) male players

  • Minimum two (2) female players

  • Remaining players may be any gender, including gender diverse participants.

Teams may play the entire match with a minimum of five (5) players, provided at least one (1) player is female, without resulting in a default or forfeit.

Please refer to the Urban Rec Default, Forfeit & Substitute Policy for player eligibility requirements.

Substitutes

Substitutes are permitted provided they:

  • Have created an Urban Rec account.

  • Have signed the current Urban Rec waiver.

Substitutions may be made at any time during play.

GAME SPECIFICS

Game Time

Games consist of two (2) x 18-minute halves with a short half-time break.

Field Boundaries

  • The playing field is generally 60m x 40m with a 5m try zone.

  • Field dimensions may vary depending on the venue.

Starting the Game

  • Captains will play Scissors, Paper, Rock.

  • The winner chooses first possession.

  • The opposing team receives first possession in the second half.

Scoring

  • Each try is worth one (1) point.

  • The team with the most tries at full time wins.

RULE SPECIFICS

Starting Play

Play begins with a tap:

  • At the start of each half.

  • After every try.

  • Following a penalty.

To perform a tap:

  • Place the ball on the ground.

  • Touch it with your foot.

  • Pick it up and continue play.

The attacking team must remain behind the ball until it has been tapped.

Defenders must remain:

  • 10 metres from taps and penalties.

  • 5 metres after each touch.

The player taking the tap may be touched immediately after restarting play.

Possession

Teams receive a maximum of six (6) touches.

Possession changes:

  • After the sixth touch.

  • After a try.

  • Following an intercept.

  • Following a forward dropped ball (knock-on).

  • After a forward pass.

  • If the Dummy Half is touched while in possession.

  • If the ball is not played correctly after a touch.

Following a turnover, the opposing team restarts play from the mark.

Drop-Balls

In Urban Rec leagues, dropping the ball backwards is not a turnover.

  • If the ball is dropped backwards, play continues and either team may pick up the ball.

  • If the ball is dropped forward, it is a knock-on and results in a change of possession.

  • After a knock-on, the new attacking team must play the ball (rollball) from where the ball first hit the ground.

  • There is no advantage played for a knock-on. Play should stop and restart with the rollball.

Scoring a Try

A try is scored by deliberately placing the ball on or over the opposition’s try line with downward pressure. The player must have control of the ball and clearly ground it to score.

A try will not be awarded if:

  • The Dummy Half grounds the ball over the try line.

  • A player dives to score.

  • The ball crosses or rolls into the try zone from a kick and is not deliberately grounded by a player with their hands.

  • The ball is dropped, knocked or deflected over the line without being deliberately grounded.

Defending

  • Following each touch, defenders must retreat 5 metres before they can defend again.

  • Following a penalty, defenders must retreat 10 metres.

  • Defenders who do not retreat the required distance, or move forward before they are onside, may be penalised for offside.

  • If a player collects the ball inside their own try zone and is touched before leaving the try zone, play restarts with a tap 10 metres into the field of play.

  • Defenders are not allowed to dive for a touch. 

  • Defenders may use their hands to block, knock down or bat away a kicked ball. Once the ball is on the ground, it cannot be kicked and must be picked up to play it. 

Dummy Half

The Dummy Half:

  • May not score a try.

  • Loses possession if touched while in possession of the ball.

  • Must retrieve and play the ball promptly.

  • Cannot pass after crossing into the try zone 

League Hosts may call Play On if the Dummy Half delays restarting play.

Kicking

Unless otherwise advised by the League Host, kicking is permitted on the 4th and 5th touches only.

Some Urban Rec leagues may prohibit kicking due to venue restrictions or local conditions. Where this applies, League Hosts will advise teams before the game.

Where kicking is permitted:

  • Kicks must remain below shoulder height.

  • Kicks must remain within the field of play.

  • Kicks may be any length.

  • The ball cannot be kicked directly from the ground. A loose ball must first be picked up before it can be kicked.

  • If a kick is collected by the defending team in-goal, either on the full or after a bounce, play restarts with the defending team 10 metres from their try line.

Penalties

A penalty may be awarded for:

  • Forward passes.

  • Offside.

  • Obstruction.

  • Failing to retreat the required distance.

  • Illegal kicks.

  • Dangerous play.

  • Unsportsmanlike behaviour.

  • Actions contrary to the spirit of the game, including phantom touches, excessive force or repeated time wasting.

ADDITIONAL URBAN REC RULES

Honest Touches

  • If a touch is called by the defensive team, the host will trust the touch was made. 

  • If you know you didn't make the touch, don't claim it.

  • Touch Football relies on honest self-officiating.

  • If you know you've been touched, acknowledge it.

  • Honesty keeps the game flowing.

Safe Touches

  • Touches should be light and controlled.

  • Grabbing, pushing or using excessive force is not considered a legal touch and may be penalised.

Safety Before Tries

  • Avoid diving, sliding or making reckless attempts to score.

  • Protecting yourself and other players always comes before scoring a try.

  • If you dive or slide on the try line, the score will not be recorded. 

Communication

Players are encouraged to communicate positively with teammates and opponents throughout the game.

Clear communication helps games flow and reduces unnecessary disputes.

Host Discretion

Not every situation can be covered by the rulebook. League Hosts may intervene where an action is technically legal but clearly unsafe, unfair or against the spirit of the game.

Fun First Policy

All Urban Rec leagues are Fun First, regardless of skill level.

League Hosts aim to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment by:

  • Coaching where needed.

  • Explaining rules to newer players.

  • Making calls appropriate to the level of play.

  • Encouraging communication and sportsmanship.

Urban Rec expects a degree of self-officiation. Respect, good vibes and camaraderie go a long way.

Discipline

  • League Hosts have final say on all unresolved issues.

  • If a player is acting disrespectfully or outside the spirit of the game, the Host may:

    • Ask the player to sub off and take a break

    • Issue further warnings

    • Ask the player to leave the court if behaviour continues

We’re here for good times, not bad attitudes. Play fair.

Inclusion

Urban Rec is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

  • Gender diverse, transgender and non-binary players are welcome

  • Participants of all sexualities, cultures and backgrounds are supported

Urban Rec has zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment.

Note that the above details are generic Touch Football rules. The rules for each specific league may differ.



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