WHAT IS OZ TAG? OZTAG is a non-tackling
game with limited contact and the
rules are designed to encourage this. Passing, catching, tagging,
evasive and kicking are the skills utilised in OZTAG. It is played over
two 20 minutes periods with eight players from each team on the field -
70m x 50m (half a soccer/Rugby field). The object of the game is to score
tries. Defenders prevent this by tagging the ball carrier (removing the
tag from the shorts). Players must wear official ‘OZTAG shorts’
with a Velcro patch on each side and a ‘tag’ is supplied (a strip of cloth is attached to the Velcro). Tagging instead of tackling
is great for players of all
skill levels, size and weight to
compete evenly. To clarify the contact rule: an attacker cannot run
straight at a defender, it is their responsibility to run at gaps. A
defender cannot impede the progress of an attacker, so if you try to get
a tag and bump the attacker you may well be penalised. The rule is
whoever initiates contact will be penalised. OZTAG
is a fast paced exciting sport that can be enjoyed by male, female and mixed teams of all athletic abilities from the ages of 6 – 60. Oztag competitions are currently run in midweek after
school/work in both summer and winter. Many friends, family and work
colleagues form teams primarily for fun and fitness. The attraction of
Oztag is that there is no training, no volunteer duties and team coaches
aren’t required. HOW
DID OZTAG COME ABOUT?
The first OZTAG competitions started in
the summer of 1992/1993 at Cronulla with 28 teams and St George with 12
teams. Since then OZTAG has enjoyed an extremely rapid growth throughout
the country. The Australian Oztag Sports Association (AOSA) was formed in 1994 as an incorporated organisation. The AOSA currently
aims to provide opportunities for people to participate at all levels,
by developing, promoting and managing the game of OZTAG in Australia. Juniors were introduced in
the 1996/1997 summer season and have had substantial growth. Nationally,
OZTAG competitions are conducted in NSW, QLD, SA, WA & VIC. OZTAG
also offers involvement at a representative or elite level - State Cup
and National championships in a range of age divisions. Junior divisions from
under 8 to 16, and adult divisions in Men, Women & Mixed Open. Men’s
divisions like over 30, 35, 40, 45 & 50 have become very popular at
Representative level. Internationally, Australia is
leading the way, but countries like New Zealand and Pacific Islands,
Ireland, United Kingdom, South Africa, US and Japan are all at various
developmental stages in the form of Rugby Tag or Rugby League tag.
What Does A Game Of Oztag Look Like?
To see what a game of Oztag looks like you can visit http://http://www.redlandbayoztag.com/index.php?page=2332
GET TAGGED!
YOU'LL
LOVE IT
|