How does tag rugby work at Under 7 and Under 8?

Under 7 and Under 8 play tag rugby (RFU Regulation 15, Appendices 1 and 2). There is no tackling, kicking, scrums or lineouts.

• Every player wears a tag belt with two tags, one on each hip, outside the shirt. A player without both tags can't carry the ball or tag anyone.
• A "tag" is pulling one or both tags off the ball carrier's belt. Only the ball carrier can be tagged, and the ball can never be pulled out of their hands.
• The ball carrier can dodge, but can't fend off with the hand or ball, or guard their tags.
• Once tagged, the ball carrier must stop within about 3 strides and pass within 3 seconds. They're allowed one step to score after being tagged.
• The tagged player must collect their tag from the tagger and put it back on before rejoining play.
• Passes must go sideways or backwards. Infringements are restarted with a free pass; opponents must be 3 metres back at Under 7 and 7 metres back at Under 8.

Scoring tries:

• Under 7: players must stay on their feet and can't dive to score.
• Under 8: players are allowed to go to ground to score.

At Under 7, play also carries on after an accidental knock-on.