---
title: "Tag Rugby Glossary - Download Resource PDF"
url: https://thepehub.co.uk/free-content/resources/tag-rugby-glossary-1705/
description: "This downloadable glossary covers all the key terms used in the sport of Tag Rugby. Download this free PDF resource today!"
---

# Tag Rugby Glossary

## Download Resource PDF

[Download Now](https://media-prod.pehub.eject.pro/cms-sync/cG9zdDoxNzk2MTE3)

A full glossary of terms used in Tag Rugby. Available as a downloadable PDF. Why not download our PDF, print it out and stick it on the wall?

## Full Tag Rugby Glossary

**Attacking team –** The team with possession of the ball in a game, who are trying to get past a **defending team** to score a **try**.

**Backwards pass –** Unlike other invasion games, the ball can only be passed backwards to a teammate. Any pass that travels forward results in a **turnover** of possession and a **free pass** to the other team.  

**Ball carrier –** The player on the **attacking team** holding the ball. They can choose to run with or pass the ball to a teammate.

**Centre spot –** The spot in the middle of the pitch where a game is (re)started. The game is restarted after a **try** by the team who conceded the try having a **free pass** from the centre spot. 

**Dead ball line –** A horizontal line at either end of the pitch. If a player holding the ball or a ball crosses this line, it is a **turnover** of possession to the other team.

**Defending team –** The team that does not possess the ball, who are trying to stop an **attacking team** from scoring.

**Defensive line –** A formation a defending team uses to try and stop an **attacking team** from scoring a try. It involves the defenders being in a straight, horizontal line across the pitch, with even gaps between each defender. A good defensive line stays in a line moving up the pitch to limit space for a **ball carrier** to run into.

![tag rugby defensive line](https://media-prod.pehub.eject.pro/tag rugby defensive line.png)

A tag rugby glossary can help teachers gain a solid foundation for the terminology and keywords they may encounter when teaching the unit.

**Foul –** When a player commits an offence of the rules of Tag Rugby/rugby. A foul results in the other team getting a **free pass** at the spot of the foul.

**Free pass -** Similar to a free kick in football, it is awarded for any offence on the pitch. It must be taken at the spot the **foul** took place, and any opposing players must be 3-5 metres away until it is taken. 

**Knock-on –** When a player loses control of a ball as a **ball carrier** or catching a pass. If the ball drops on the floor in front of the player, this is a ‘knock-on’ and results in a **turnover** of possession to the other team to restart using a **free pass**.

**In goal area –** The space between the **try and dead ball lines**. It is the area where the attacking team can score a try.

**Interception –** When a defender is able to catch an attempted pass being thrown from a **ball carrier** to a teammate to affect a **turnover**.

**Obstruction –** A **foul** that occurs when an attacking player without the ball runs in front of the **ball carrier** to stop an opponent from trying to tag them. It results in a **free pass** being given.

**Offside –** An offence in rugby that leads to a **free pass** being awarded. When a ball carrier is tagged, an imaginary line is drawn horizontally across the pitch where the **tag** takes place.  The attacking team must organise themselves behind the attacker just tagged on their half of the pitch and defending team must move back onto their side.

**Referee –** The official in charge of a game of Tag Rugby.

**Tag/Tagging** – The removal of one of the tags from a **ball carrier's** tag belt by a defender. This means the ball carrier has to pass the ball to a teammate after either taking three more steps or after 3 seconds.

**Tag belt –** A belt worn by each player when playing tag rugby. Each player should have two tags on their belt, one on each hip.

![tag rugby belt position](https://media-prod.pehub.eject.pro/tag rugby belt position.png)

We have glossaries for all sports and activities on The PE Hub platform including tag rugby.

**Touchlines –** 2 parallel lines that run vertically on either side of the pitch. If the ball goes off the pitch passed these lines, either by being thrown or a **ball carrier** stepping over the line, it is a **turnover** of possession.

**Try –** The scoring system used in tag rugby. A try is scored by a **ball carrier** placing the ball down with pressure over the **try line** somewhere in the **in-goal area.**

**Try line –** A horizontal line across the pitch near both ends. A team scores a **try** by crossing this line and placing a ball down.

**Turnover –** A turnover is when possession changes from the **attacking team** to the **defending team**. This may happen due to an attacking team committing a **foul** or taking the ball out of play. It can also happen if a defending team **intercepts** a pass.

## Other Resources You May Find Helpful

- [Tag Rugby Rules](https://thepehub.co.uk/free-content/resources/tag-rugby-rules-440/)
- [Tag Rugby Tag Protocol](https://thepehub.co.uk/free-content/resources/tag-rugby-tag-protocol-1533/)

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