# Walking Rugby/Rules

No running – walking determined by one foot on the ground at any time when in motion No contact – similar to ‘touch rugby’ rules – two hands on shorts is all the contact made which qualifies as a tackle. No Mauls or Rucks or Lineouts Scrummaging – max 3 players per team stood upright and non-contested. Passing backwards or lateral – offside rules apply A try requires no bending – you walk across the try line ball in hand.

## The Main Rules of Walking Rugby

* The game is split into four 5-minute (or longer by mutual team agreement) quarters, with 2-minute breaks for rehydration between each
* Up to 7 players a side, with rolling substitutes
* Players must not run or jog while the game is in action
* The ball must be passed backwards or sideways but not forward
* A try is scored by carrying the ball with both feet over the try line
* "Knock-on" if the ball is knocked forward and hits another player or the ground, a deliberate knock-on is a penalty
* Turnover if the ball hits the ground going backwards
* Tackle is a two-handed touch to the ball carrier (shoulders down to shorts, including arms)
* Tackled players must pass the ball, within one pace from the spot they were tackled, without delay.
* The defence must not interfere with the first pass following a tackle.
* Ball in touch the other side re-start with a pass from the point where the ball crossed the touchline
* Turnover, penalty or other in-field re-start: the player restarting must tap the ball with foot or knee and may then walk or pass, on-side defenders may advance
* Uncontested two-person scrums for knock-on/forward passes with 6 or more players a side

## Additional Rules

Walking Rugby matches are friendly matches played by teams which can be of any gender (including mixed teams). This is an inclusive sport which welcomes players of all abilities and disabilities.<ref name="gamelocker">https://www.wrugamelocker.wales/media/1537/wru3556-walking-rugby-rules.pdf</a> These rules are drafted to allow flexibility when required. To accommodate the inclusive nature of the game, teams /festival organisers may agree on rule changes to suit local conditions and player abilities. The spirit and laws of the 15-a-side game will apply unless detailed below. • There will be no scrums, lineouts, mauls, and rucks. • Tackling, barging, hand-offs and kicking the ball are not allowed. • Players must not run or jog whilst the game is in play. MAJOR CHANGES FROM 15 A SIDE GAME • Matches are played with a size 4/5 ball. • 7 players on the pitch at a time per team. • Unlimited in-game substitutions can be made. A substituted player may return. • Matches are typically 8-12 minutes long and could include a halftime. • All teams should wear a sports kit or bib to identify players. If possible, watches and jewellery should not be worn. • For 7 a side matches, we advise a pitch size of about a quarter of a full-size rugby pitch. However, pitch size can be varied based on available space and player numbers. FESTIVAL LOGISTICS Veterans Touch Rugby Rules – 20223 • With the aim of the game to maximise accessibility, team captains and referees can agree on adjustments to apply for that match to take into account disability, age, or infirmity. • Starting play: • At the start and after a try, a free pass from the middle of the pitch. • If the ball goes into touch, restart with a throw from where the line crosses. • In all other instances, tap the ball with foot or knee and then walk or pass. • The ball must be passed backwards or transverse. • The defending team aim to touch the player with the ball. A touch should be two-handed from shoulders down to shorts, including arms. • If the attacking team has not scored within 6 touches - the ball is turned over to the opposition who restart where the 6th touch happened. • A player scores tries when at least 1 foot is placed on or after the try line. • If a player is touched whilst crossing the line, a try is scored provided, the line is reached or crossed by completing the step being made when touched. • A penalty try will be awarded if an infringement stops a try being scored. • If the ball goes to the ground without a knock-on the player nearest to the fallen ball may pick it up and continue play. The opposing team should not interfere with the pick-up.

### The Game

The referee is the sole judge of fact and law. They are encouraged to try and make the games flow freely and can make allowances for the abilities and skills of players.
* Advantage should be used where possible. • Touches made by players infringing the rules can be discounted from the 6 touches rule, or the referee may reset the 6 touches and let the game flow or award a penalty. • Referees may also ignore infringements which do not materially affect play. • A neutral referee is preferred, and teams attending a festival may be requested to provide a person(s) who can act as a referee for matches involving other teams. • Touches should not be robust and consider the strengths/frailties of the player being touched. • Touched players may complete the pace they were in the process of making whilst touched and then must pass the ball within 3 seconds, without further movement. • If a player carrying the ball is touched and then travels more than this the referee should call play back to where the touch was. Play restarts with the same player in possession – touches are not reset. • The player making the touch must retire 1 pace, setting the offside line for their team. • If the defender making the touch interferes with the pass from the touched player, the attacking team have 6 fresh touches.

### Touch Tackles

Veterans Touch Rugby Rules – 20225 • In the event of Offside, foul play, forward pass or knock the non-offending team restarts where the incident occurred and/or the 6-touch count is reset. • Foul play. Normal 15-a-side rules apply plus: • No running or Jogging at any time. • No pushing, barging, or dangerously making a touch. Including handoffs, walking straight into, or backing into an opposition player. • Tackler/Defender interfering with pass after a touch or not retreating. • Grabbing another player, trying to wrestle the ball away from them (by hitting the ball, snatching, or ripping). • The referee may ask that players who are deliberately and repeatedly infringing be substituted by their team. • The referee has the discretion to allow advantage and: • For minor infringements they could just exclude touches made by infringing players from the 6 touches count or deduct 1 from the existing touch count. • For more material infringements where the referee is still not stopping play the 6-touch count can be reset from where the advantage occurs.

### Infringements

* When an Offside line is created all players in a team must try and retire into an onside position. • An Offside line is created as follows: • If a touch occurs the player making the touch must step back 1 metre and this sets the offside line for their team (or on their try line if closer). • At all restarts the attacking team have an offside line where the restart is; the The defending team have an offside line 2m nearer to their try line (or on their try line if closer). • If an offside player makes a touch it is excluded from the 6 touches count. If they also obstruct play the referee can reset play where the obstruction took place or play advantage by resetting the touch count. • Onside defenders may advance once the ball has been tapped or passed. • The Offside line lasts until the team with the ball has completed a pass or moved 2m with it. • In open play all players are onside

## References

* ↑ https://www.walkingsports.com/walking-sports-knowledge-base/walking-rugby-rules/