Kaipara Touch

Basic Touch Rules
The 2022 season will see Kaipara Junior Touch adopt and implement the updated FIT 5th Edition playing rules to align with the ruling used through the pathways of Touch New Zealand. 

To read the FIT 5th Edition Rules in full click here.

Key rule changes and considerations for teams to be aware of include:

  • Changes to field markings e.g., 5-metre line is now a 7-metre line
  • Players are now expected to retire a fixed distance of seven metres to be onside
  • On an intercept by a defending player, the first touch will now be zero (0) touch
  • Sin bin duration now defined as four (4) complete possessions
  • As well as significant changes to the drop-off procedure

Drop-off Rules

A semifinal or final game requires a result. In the event of a draw, teams will enter a drop-off following the FIT 5th Edition Rules used by Touch New Zealand as follows:

  1. Each Team will reduce their on-field Team to four (4) players and within 60 seconds take up a position to restart play from the Halfway Line, defending the same end of the field as at the End of Play.
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  2. The Drop-Off commences with a Tap from the centre of the Halfway Line by the Team that did not commence the match with Possession.

  3. The Drop-Off will commence with a two (2) minute period of extra time.

  4. Should a Team be leading at the expiration of the two (2) minute period of extra time then that Team will be declared the Winner and Match complete.

  5. Should neither Team be leading at the expiration of two (2) minutes, a signal is given and the match will pause at the next Touch or Dead Ball. Each Team will then remove another player from the Field of Play.

  6. The Match will recommence immediately after the players have left the field at the same place where it paused (i.e. the Team retains Possession at the designated number of Touches, or at Change of Possession due to some Infringement or the sixth Touch) and the Match will continue until a Try is scored.

  7. There is no time off during the Drop-Off and the clock does not stop at the two (2) minute interval.

  8. Substitution during the Drop-Off is permitted in accordance with normal Interchange Rules.​​​​​​​

  9. Teams must have at least one (1) girl on the field throughout the duration of the drop-off. Note: this is due to our 4 boys, 2 girls ratio and is the only difference to the FIT 5th Edition stipulated ruling.

Check out the below video for a quick guide to the basic rules of touch under the FIT 5th Edition Rules. This guide is helpful for players and volunteers who are new to the sport.