Collection of photos showcasing a rugby team and fans, with players in red uniforms participating in different activities, including practicing, playing, and celebrating, along with group selfies and team moments; a whistle with a red lanyard at the center.

Welcome

***

Welcome ***

Welcome!

...to Saracens Touch Rugby. Here’s the info you need to get started at our club...

WHO ARE WE?

Saracens Touch is a touch rugby club based in North London with approximately 70 members. Formed in 2013, we promote the sport of Touch - playing, coaching and refereeing throughout our locality and beyond. We have players of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to those to compete regionally and nationally. We take the view that Touch is a game for all and that everyone is welcome.

WHAT IS TOUCH? WHAT ARE THE RULES?

Touch is a minimal-contact, fast-paced sport. We play under the FIT (Federation of International Touch) rules. A “Crib Sheet” setting out the basic rules is included at the end of this pack. For an abbreviated list of the rules of Touch - Click here

WHEN DO WE TRAIN?

We train all year round - from 7pm to 8.15pm every Wednesday at Saracens Amateur RFC and from 6.45pm to 8pm every Friday at either the StoneX Stadium or Mill Hill RFC (or at other venues, weather-dependent). Training is usually run by our coaching group: Sag, Barry and Oli.

DO WE PLAY IN COMPETITIONS?

We play in a local mixed “Masters” league which is open to men over 35 and women of any age. We also play in “Open” category tournaments (open to any age) and have a women’s team which plays in suitable competitions. Every year we go on tour and play in tournaments in destinations like Spain, Portugal, France , Italy, Belgium and Ireland.

Men playing rugby on a grassy field, one in a red shirt and black shorts, another in a white and blue jersey with number 6, with trees in the background.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The first three sessions are free. We then charge a membership fee of £84 for a full year, January to December.

If you join later in the year we will charge you on a pro-rata basis. Membership provides you with insurance through England Touch.

HOW DO WE COMMUNICATE?

You will be added to our Whatsapp training group in which we communicate information about training and games. There is also a WhatsApp social group to which we can add you on request. We also use an app called Stack Team App so that players can update their availability for training and matches. Please download the app, search for Saracens Touch Rugby and request to join.

You can also stay up to date with all the club’s news by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

WHAT KIT DO I NEED?

You will need a pair of boots with moulded studs (screw in studs are not allowed). Please remove jewellery and watches or cover them securely. Long or sharp fingernails are not allowed. Please also bring a drink and (weather dependent) sun screen and bug spray.

We also have a Club Shop from which players can order club playing and training kit.

WHO RUNS THE CLUB?

The Committee is elected at the AGM and currently consists of Barry French (Chair), Sag Ratnayake (Captain), Justin Vermaak (Secretary), Phil Ridout (Treasurer), Nick Foster (Fixtures) Marghe Sweetlove (Women’s Officer) and Oli (Membership).

Black and white collage of seven people, each with a name tag, some in sports uniforms. The photos are arranged with some overlapping, featuring smiling individuals outdoors, likely athletes or team members. The names include Sag, Marghe, Oli, Barry, Justin, Nick, and Phil. One photo has a label

CAN I BRING MY KIDS?

We are very conscious of our safeguarding responsibilities.

Under 16s may attend training at the discretion of the coaches and only if a parent is also taking part.

Anyone over 16 but under 18 may attend training without a parent present but a parent must first complete a parental agreement form.

TOUCH: A CRIB SHEET

WHAT IS TOUCH?

TOUCH or TOUCH RUGBY is a minimal-contact, fast-paced sport played worldwide. Instead of tackling, players simply touch their opponent on any part of the opponent’s body or clothing (or touch the ball).

Tries are scored by placing the ball on the ground on or beyond the try line.

DEFENDING

Following a touch, the defending team must retreat 7 metres. If any defender does not retreat 7 metres they are “offside” and a penalty may be conceded.

PLAYERS

There are 6 players on each team on the pitch at any one time.

SIX TOUCHES

Each team has possession for 6 touches before they surrender possession to the opposite team.

ROLLBALL

When you have the ball and are touched you must place the ball on the ground where you were touched (“on the mark“) and step over it.

THE HALF

The player picking up the ball after a touch is called “the Half”. The Half may not score a try and if they are touched they immediately concede possession.

A woman wearing a pink cap and red sports shirt holds a yellow rugby ball while running on a grassy field. Two other women in black and white sports uniforms are reaching out to her, likely during a game or practice.

PENALTIES

If you pass the ball after you have been touched (“touch and pass”), place the ball after a touch in the incorrect position (“off the mark”), use excessive force when touching, or pass the ball forward, then a penalty (possession) will be conceded.

THAT’S IT...

There are some other rules which you will learn in due course but you now know all you need to get started. So what are you waiting for?