When is tackling introduced, and which tackles are banned?

Under 6 to Under 8: tag only. Tag is mandatory. Each player wears a belt with two tags on the hips, and a "tackle" is pulling off one tag. Ball carriers can run and dodge but must not fend off defenders or guard their tags.

Under 9: tackling starts. Tackle is the recommended format from Under 9.

The Safe Play Code (Under 6 to Under 11) treats these as infringements:

• contact above the armpits when tackling an upright ball carrier
• tripping or using the legs in a tackle
• a crotch hold, vertical lifting, or lifting and driving the ball carrier for two or more steps
• shoulder charges
• dropping, diving or falling on a player who is already on the ground
• slinging a player down by their arm or shirt
• a hand-off or fend above the shoulder
• obscene, threatening, discriminatory or abusive language

When foul play happens, the coach stops the game and explains the offence to all the players, then play continues. There are no sin bins, though coaches are encouraged to give a player a timeout. Adults must never hold a tackle shield for a child to tackle (they may hold the top of a tackle bag).

Under 12 and above: any tackle contact above the armpit is penalised.