Touch Football
Explore Activity Types
After exploring this page below, and discovering all about the activity, and deciding that you wish to learn more, progress as a Trailblazor by exploring the Activity types to decide which one interests you.
On Activity Type Pages, you will have the opportunity to attempt Simply Grow Missions to develop your skills, and decide if you wish to challenge yourself with Simply Inspire Missions to progress as an Activity Ambassador.
Simply Snapfacts
Why do Touch Football teams score so quickly compared to Rugby Union?
Touch Football removes scrums, kicking, and tackling, so the game restarts rapidly after every touch.
Touch Football
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Why do defenders aim for a player’s hips instead of the ball in Flag Football?
Defenders must pull a flag from the runner’s waist to stop the play because tackling is not allowed.
Flag Football
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Why do wheelchair American football players turn their chairs sideways before contact?
Angling the chair sideways helps absorb impact and protect the wheels during collisions.
Wheelchair American Football
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Why do Arena Football players sometimes crash into nets after catches?
Arena Football uses rebound nets beside the goalposts, so missed passes and kicks can bounce back into play instead of stopping the game.
Arena Football
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Why are offensive linemen some of the heaviest athletes in sport?
NFL offensive linemen often weigh over 140 kg because their job is to physically protect the quarterback from defenders.
Tackle Football
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Competitive Formats
Rugby is a diverse and inclusive sport that, the aim is to advance the ball forward, to score a try. Whether you enjoy fast-paced running games, physical challenges, strategic teamwork or adaptive formats, there is a version of rugby to suit different interests, abilities and goals. Each format has its own rules, number of players, playing environment, playing time and, in many cases, its own governing body or competition structure. While every version is unique, all share rugby’s core values of respect, teamwork, confidence and belonging.
Non-Contact Rugby
Non-contact rugby includes formats where tackling is replaced by touches, tags or other methods of stopping play, making the game more accessible while still retaining many of rugby’s core skills and principles. It focuses on passing, movement, teamwork, decision-making and spatial awareness, often with fewer stoppages and a faster flow of play. Each format has its own rules, number of players, playing time, pace and governing body. Non-contact rugby can also be adapted to support players of different ages, abilities and needs, and always searching for new ways that more people can enjoy and participate in the game.
- Touch Rugby
- Tag Rugby
- T1 Rugby
Contact Rugby
Contact rugby includes formats where touches or tags are replaced with unique elements like scrums, rucks, mauls and line-outs. These elements of the game are introduced after game is stopped by penalty or tackling and physical contact that form part of the game. Games can differ significantly in rules, number of players, playing time, pace, playing environment and governing bodies. Many formats can too feature unique elements such as kicking contests and set pieces, while adaptive formats may modify or replace some of these aspects and can be either contact or non-contact depending on the version being played. Each offers its own challenges, requiring skill, teamwork, determination and resilience.
- Rugby Union
- Wheelchair Rugby
- Rugby League
- Beach Rugby
- Rugby Sevens
Inclusive Rugby
Rugby has continued to develop new formats to engage all individuals, irrespective of ability, experience or circumstances to participate, challenge themselves and enjoy being part of the game. Every individual is encouraged to contribute, support others and recognise the unique strengths that each person brings to the team. By working together, players learn how different skills, perspectives and abilities can unite to achieve a common goal. The games can take on one or a combination of rugby disciplines, based on participants and programme. Whether participating recreationally or competitively, inclusive rugby demonstrates that success is defined by resilience, character, commitment and the willingness to work alongside others. It reflects the spirit of rugby at its best, where everyone has a role to play, every contribution is valued and teams become stronger through collaboration, trust and mutual respect.
- Mixed ability Rugby
- Visually Impaired Rugby
- Walking Rugby
Competitive Pathways
Competitive pathways provide a general guide to some of the adventures and opportunities that may be available as you grow, develop and gain experience. They are designed to show what is possible, not define your pathway.
We all have different goals, and those goals can change over time. You may want to have fun, learn new skills, make friends, stay active, compete, or simply try something new. Different activity formats, countries and governing bodies may offer different pathways and experiences.
Explore the possibilities, discover what you enjoy, and choose the pathway that best supports your own Simply Story.
July 5
Early Years Foundation
Discover movement, play, coordination and basic skills through fun, age-appropriate activities.
February 2
Mini's
Learn the fundamentals, develop confidence and begin playing in simple games and team environments.
January 31
Juniors
Build skills, understanding and experience through regular training, competition and personal development.
January 31
Regional
Represent a wider area, competing against stronger opposition and demonstrating advanced ability and commitment.
January 31
National
Compete or represent at a national level, performing among the highest standard of players in the country.
January 31
Olympics / ParaOlympics
Compete on the world stage, representing your country at elite international competitions, Olympic or Paralympic events.
Search for a Local Club
Simply FACT
Simply History
1871
Rugby Union
Rugby Union was formally organised in 1871 when the Rugby Football Union was founded in England to standardise the rules.
1883
Rugby Sevens
Rugby Sevens was created in Melrose, Scotland, in 1883 by Ned Haig and David Sanderson as a fundraising tournament.
1895
Rugby League
Rugby League was created in 1895 when northern English clubs split from Rugby Union over payments for players who missed work.
1960
Touch Rugby
Touch Rugby developed strongly in Australia in the 1960s and 1970s as a non-contact rugby-style sport.
1977
Wheelchair Rugby
Wheelchair Rugby was originally called Murderball when it was created in Canada in 1977 by athletes with quadriplegia.
2000's
Tag Rugby
Tag Rugby became widely used in schools in the late 20th century as a non-contact way to teach passing, movement and teamwork.
2023
T1 Rugby
T1 Rugby was launched by World Rugby in 2023 as a new non-contact version of rugby designed to make the sport faster, safer, and more accessible for players of all ages and abilities.
Simply Scorecards
Try
Arena Football
Flag Football
Tackle Football
Touch Football
Wheelchair American Football
Conversion
Arena Football
Flag Football
Tackle Football
Touch Football
Wheelchair American Football
Drop Kick
Arena Football
Flag Football
Tackle Football
Touch Football
Wheelchair American Football
Penalty
Arena Football
Flag Football
Tackle Football
Touch Football
Wheelchair American Football
Simply Comparisons
Starting Age
Arena Football
8+ Years
Flag Football
7+ Years
Tackle Football
8+ Years
Touch Football
7+ Years
Wheelchair American Football
8+ Years
Players
Arena Football
8 per team
Flag Football
5 to 7 per team
Tackle Football
11 per team
Touch Football
6 per team
Wheelchair American Football
7 per team
Length of Play
Arena Football
60 minutes
Flag Football
40–60 minutes
Tackle Football
60 minutes
Touch Football
30–40 minutes
Wheelchair American Football
40–60 minutes
What is it all about?
Arena Football
A fast indoor version played on a smaller field, with quick passing, rebounds and high-scoring action.
Flag Football
A non-contact team game where players pull flags instead of tackling to stop runners and practise passing.
Tackle Football
A full-contact team game using blocking, passing, running and tackling to move the ball and score touchdowns.
Touch Football
A lighter version where touching replaces tackling, helping players enjoy passing, running and teamwork safely.
Wheelchair American Football
An adapted version where wheelchair users pass, block and score using teamwork, speed and smart tactics.
Olympic Status
Arena Football
Non-Olympic
Flag Football
Summer Olympics, 2028
Tackle Football
Non-Olympic
Touch Football
Non-Olympic
Wheelchair American Football
Non-Olympic
Player Positions
Arena Football
Player, Quarterback, Running Back, Receiver, Lineman, Defender, Captain, Coach, Referee
Flag Football
Player, Quarterback, Receiver, Rusher, Defender, Captain, Coach, Referee
Tackle Football
Player, Quarterback, Running Back, Receiver, Lineman, Defender, Captain, Coach, Referee
Touch Football
Player, Quarterback, Receiver, Rusher, Defender, Captain, Coach, Referee
Wheelchair American Football
Player, Ball Carrier, Receiver, Defender, Captain, Coach, Referee
Simply Try
Let the Journey Begin
The Discovery Missions are designed to introduce the sport, in a fun and inclusive way.
- Read the Discovery Mission and learn what you’ll be doing.
- Discover what you’ll learn and the skills you’ll develop.
- Complete the Mission and have fun!
- If you wish to, Record and reflect on your experience by writing in your Personal Journal.
- Earn an Adventurer Badge for each completed Discovery Mission.
- Unlock your Adventurer Certificate when you have successfully completed 3 of your chosen Discovery Missions.
Browse Equipment
Browse Pre-Loved
Pre-loved shopping is a smart and sustainable way to find quality items at great value. From sports equipment and books to games, hobbies and everyday essentials, many pre-loved items have been carefully looked after and are ready for their next adventure. Browse trusted brands, discover hidden gems and find products that have already stood the test of time.
Browse New
Spending money is an important decision, so it’s worth exploring your options before you buy. Browse a variety of stores to compare products, prices and services, helping you find the right item at the right value. Whether you’re looking for sports equipment, books, games or hobby supplies, take the time to shop around and make an informed choice.
Simply Tip: Create a wishlist for birthdays, save or earn pocket money by doing chores.
Test your friends & family's knowledge by flipping Simply Snapfacts
Inspire-Me Galleries
Challenge-Me Galleries
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When did Rowing become an Olympic sport?
Rowing has been contested at the Olympic Games since Paris 1900 after the 1896 rowing events were cancelled due to weather.
Para Rowing
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When did mini football become more common in the UK?
Mini football became more widely adopted in the UK during the 1990s and 2000s as football organisations introduced age-based formats to support player development.
Early-Years Basketball (Foundation)
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