Tag Rugby
Year 1

           Teams:

• Tag rugby is typically played with two teams, each consisting of six or seven players on the field at a time. The number of players can vary, particularly in primary school settings.
• Substitutions can be made during stoppages in play. Some variations of tag rugby allow "rolling substitutions," where players can enter and exit the game without stopping play.

           Objectives:

• The primary goal of tag rugby is to score tries by crossing the opponent's try line and grounding the ball in the designated scoring area.

           Ball:

• A standard rugby ball is used in tag rugby.
• Up to the age of 9, most teams will play with a size 3 rugby ball.
• From 9 upwards, the standard ball size for youth rugby is size 4.

           Tags:

• Players wear tags, often attached to belts around their waist, and defenders attempt to remove these tags to simulate tackles. A tackle is made when a defender successfully removes one of the ball carrier's tags.

           Scoring:

• In most tag-rugby games, a try is worth one point.
• The team with the most points at the end of the match are the winners.

           The Game:

• The game is played in two halves, each lasting a specified time, such as 10 or 15 minutes.
• Teams switch sides at halftime.

           Starting Play:

• The game begins with a kick-off from the center of the field.
• The team that wins the coin toss or a predetermined method gets the first kick-off.

           Possession:

• Teams take turns on offense and defense.
• The attacking team aims to advance the ball up the field to score tries, while the defending team tries to prevent them by making tackles (removing tags).

           Tagging:

• When a defender successfully removes a ball carrier's tag, the ball carrier must stop and pass the ball to a teammate. The ball carrier is considered ‘tagged’ and cannot continue in the game until they have reattached their tag.

           Passing:

• The ball can only be passed laterally or backward to a teammate.
• Forward passes are not allowed and result in a turnover of the ball to the opposing team.

           Knock-Ons:

• Dropping the ball forward is considered a knock-on and results in a turnover of the ball to the opposing team.

           Restarting Play:

• When the ball goes out of bounds, play restarts with a play-the-ball or a tap-and-go.

           Penalties:

• Penalties may be awarded for rule infractions, such as offside or not playing the ball correctly. The non-offending team usually gets a free play-the-ball to restart.

           Off-Sides:

• Players of the attacking team must stay behind the ball when not in possession of it.

Our KS1 Tag Rugby lesson plans are designed to allow children to improve their ability to move fluently changing speed and direction.  They should continue to develop key fundamental movement skills, both with and without a ball, moving in a safe way. These Year 1 Tag Rugby lessons help children develop basic ball control, experiment with different types of sending and receiving, and show some success when aiming at a target.

Tag Rugby lessons play an important role in primary school PE.  They provide opportunities for children to master basic movements and develop fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching, and developing balance, agility and coordination.  Tag Rugby lessons also give children a chance to participate in team games, using simple tactics and forming simple plans to achieve success. Primary School Tag Rugby is also great for promoting values such as respect and for helping children become physically confident and competent to support their health and fitness.

All PE Planning lesson plans are curriculum mapped and created by PE Specialists. Each lesson plan includes full guidance, including illustrations, and you can choose to download either a quick reference plan or a full lesson plan. Our KS1 Tag Rugby lesson plans allow you to deliver fun, engaging and rewarding Tag Rugby lessons to your Year 1 pupils.  Best of all, all of these lesson plans are quick and easy to download and follow, making your life easier!