NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association Handbook
Amended 2021
4.24 Touch
4.24.1 state-wide competitions - boys and girls
Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook "state-wide competitions" – Section 2.8
(a) Competitors
(i) Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook "student eligibility" –
(ii) All players must sign the official registration slip to be counter-signed by opposing coach prior to the commencement of each round match.
(iii) Age limits
Players who attain the age of 20 years or over during the year of competition are not eligible to compete.
(b) Entries
Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook "Entries" – .
(c) Associations – zones and the draw
(i) In order to reduce travel to a reasonable minimum, entries will be drawn within their association, and then proceed into a twenty team final draw.
(ii) If entries are too few in any association to constitute an association draw, entries from that association will be included in the draw of the closest association.
(iii) The draw
The entire draw for the state-wide competitions will be made following the closing date for entries.
The draws will be made by the association conveners, in consultation with the local association sports coordination officer.
When compiling the draws, the following provisions will apply:
Any school which forfeits a game in the preceding year will not receive a bye in the year of competition, if possible.
Any school which receives a bye in the preceding year will not receive a bye in the year of competition, if possible.
The draws will be available on the - .
(d) Determination and duties of home school
(i) Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook "Determination of Home and Away Games" -
(ii) For duties of the home school refer NSWCHSSA Handbook "Fixtures" - - in addition:
Provide the best playing surface available, correctly measured/marked out.
Provide an up-to-date copy of the state-wide rules at the playing venue to assist in settling any disputes that may arise.
(iii) The association hosting the NSWCHSSA 15 years state trials shall be included as a "metropolitan" team and play the away round in the final 20 round game of the NSWCHSSA opens state-wide draw in the current year.
(e) Referees – touch judges
(i) All fixtures should be controlled by a senior qualified, certificated referee, correctly attired.
(ii) The home school shall arrange the appointment of the referee/s through the association touch contact (appointed by the NSW Touch Association) applicable to the home school for rounds 1-5, (see attachment to draw), or through the local Touch Association, if one exists. The away school has the right to supply a 'buddy' referee.
(iii) In the finals series, all competing schools are to provide a qualified referee and the state convener shall request the NSW Touch Association to assist with necessary appointments of referees.
(iv) If a qualified referee is not available for games being played in rounds 1-4, a neutral, competent adult may be appointed by the home school to control the game. Both Coaches must give consent.
(v) For all association finals, the association convener shall nominate a suitable neutral venue and provide qualified and experienced NSW Touch Association referees.
(f) Fixtures
(i) All fixtures should be played at the earliest possible date.
(ii) Each fixture should be played on or before the date set down in the draw.
(iii) No extension of time shall be granted except for when grounds are in an unplayable condition (as decided upon by the association convener, e.g. if the grounds to be used are closed because of excessive rainfall).
(iv) Schools failing to play by the date set down, shall forfeit the match to the opposing school.
(v) If both schools fail to agree upon a date and/or venue, the matter shall be referred to the association convener (or association sports coordination officer, if no convener) in rounds 1-5.
(vi) The appropriate convener should try to ensure that where a school team has a player(s) with NSWCHSSA representative commitments, that school should not be disadvantaged unnecessarily, by being forced to play a fixture while the player is absent with the NSWCHSSA team.
(vii) Where two schools decide by mutual agreement to play a fixture in rounds 1-4 on a neutral ground, they should be permitted to do so. The home and away formula will still apply – you cannot "forfeit" a home game.
(g) Results
(i) Results MUST be forwarded by email / phone to the association convener on the day immediately following the match by the coach of the winning team.
(ii) Results must be confirmed by forwarding a result slip direct to the NSWCHSSA Touch publicity officer and the respective association convener.
(iii) Failure to notify results as required will mean automatic disqualification of the school concerned.
(iv) Results will be available on the NSWCHSSA Website.
(h) Disputes and protests
(i) Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook "Disputes and protests" -
In the final series, protests should be lodged with the protest committee.
(i) Players sent off
(i) All players sent from the field, for the duration of the game, by the referee for breaches of rules, foul or dangerous play, or for other reasons, must be reported to the association convener (rounds 1 - 5) and the state convener (round 6 onwards).
(ii) Minimum penalty is a one NSWCHSSA match suspension.
(iii) The report to the convener on players sent off must be made by coach of winning team.
(iv) In the final 10 series tournament, if a student has received two (2) or more sin bins during the course of the tournament a one game suspension is automatically enforced. A player who has received 3 periods of time throughout the tournament will receive an automatic 1 game suspension to be served in the next immediate game at the current tournament.
(j) Duration of play
Rounds 1-5 and final series matches (excluding Final 10).
All round games in the state-wide series excluding the final 20 series will be two halves of twenty minutes each way, with a five minute half time break, with time off for injury or stoppages as indicated by the referee.
Should timekeepers not be appointed by the home team, the referee is to act as the sole timekeeper.
Final 10 Series.
The final 10 series organising committee shall determine the duration of matches and progression.
(k) Drawn games
(i) All tries or touchdowns shall be worth one (1) point.
(ii) In the event of a draw, the ‘drop off’ system as per the current Touch Football Australia rules will apply.
(l) Final 20 series
(i) In round 1, two teams from each association progress to the final 20 series. Round 1 of the final 20 Series will be conducted on a home and away basis.
(ii) The final 10 series (round 2 of the final 20 series) shall be played at a central venue to determine the top ten positions in the state.
(m) Rules
(i) Fixtures shall be played according to the rules of the Australian Touch Association. Any new rules adopted by the A.T.A. will automatically apply to NSWCHSSA touch competitions, once approval by the NSWCHSSA council for the subsequent years.
(ii) The organising committee shall have power to introduce variations of the A.T.A. rules, on a trial basis, if considered to be in the best interest of school's Touch.
(iii) Alterations or amendments to the rules of any competitions shall only be made at the subcommittee meetings (and, submitted for ratification at a NSWCHSSA council meeting).
(iv) No change in rules shall become effective during the currency of a competition.
(v) Each team has a maximum of fourteen players all of whom can play in any one match.
(vi) All games to be played at 6 a side.
(vii) Dress
All members of each team are to be dressed in the same "Touch" shirts (school colours), excluding wearing skins.
All shirts/jerseys etc. are to be numbered clearly.
No footwear with metal studs to be worn.
No jewellery to be worn.
Girls may wear briefs/tights/shorts (Netball skirts are not an approved item).
(n) Coach of teams
(i) The nominated coach must be a staff member of the respective school.
It is desirable that coaches should possess a level one coaching certificate.
(o) Situations not covered by these rules
Should any situation or matter arise, not covered in these rules, the matter shall be referred to the organising committee, via the state convener, for the decision which will be final.
4.24.2 Touch State Championship - boys and girls
Refer NSWCHSSA Handbook "State Championships" – Section 2.9
(a) Event
The championships will be conducted annually.
(b) Entries
Association teams shall consist of no more than fourteen (14) players, of open age. All games will be played with 6 a side.
(c) Uniform
(i) Players must wear the same association uniform, except in extreme weather conditions where individuals can wear clothing according to these conditions e g coldness, but it must be in team colours.
(ii) This will be a numbered Touch shirt preferably (1-14), shorts, briefs, or tights, bodysuit and socks with suitable footwear.
(iii) A association team may wear all bodysuits, shorts, all briefs, or all tights of the same length but not a combination.
(iv) Appropriate shoes are to be worn by all players as per TFA handbook.
(d) Equipment
The NSWCHSSA will provide the touch balls, which are to be used for the duration of the championship.
(e) Match rules
(i) All games to be played under Australian Touch Association rules.
(ii) All games will be 30 minutes duration. Teams will change ends on a score. There will be no time off for injuries.
(iii) The championships will be conducted on a full "round robin" basis. Semi-finals and finals will be conducted. The draw for the boys and girls state championship will be a random draw.
(iv) Each team must be assembled, ready to play, five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled starting time. A warning hooter (two short blasts) will sound one (1) minute prior to the start of each game. A second hooter will sound (one long blast), denoting time on.
(f) Game delays and forfeits
(i) It is essential that captains report to the referee and teams report to the specified field with the first six on the field no later than one (1) minute prior to the game starting time.
Failure to comply with this, the following penalties will apply:
The non-offending team will be awarded the winning of the toss.
After five (5) minutes from the starting hooter, the referee will declare the non-offending team winners by 5-0. The offending team will be deemed to have forfeited.
(g) Point score
(i) Win = 3 / Draw = 2 / Loss = 1 / Forfeit = 0
(ii) Where teams finish on equal championship points (early rounds), then their position will be determined by the following methods in order but no team will miss the semi-finals due to dot points 1, 2 or 3 (see below):
Touchdowns For and Against – Highest difference takes the higher position
Percentages – Touchdowns for multiplied by 100, divided by Touchdowns Against. The highest percentage takes the higher position.
Winner of the round match
(iii) In the event of a draw, the ‘drop off’ system as per the current Touch Football Australia rules will apply.
(iv) Where three teams are equal on points for third position:
In the event where three teams are on equal points for third (3rd) position, third place will be determined by procedures as indicated in (g) Point score dot points 1, 2 and 3. Fourth (4th) place will be determined by (g) Point score (iii).
(v) In the event of a draw at full time during a semi-final or final, the drop-off rule is to apply.
(h) Disputes
The disputes committee will comprise of:
(i) The state convener
(ii) Two team managers of teams not involved in the dispute at hand and nominated by the championship organiser.
(iii) Team managers of players involved may act as advocate.
(iv) Disputes must be lodged in writing to the championship organiser by the team manager within fifteen (15) minutes of the completion of the game.
(i) On field player conduct
(i) A player who has received 3 periods of time throughout the tournament will receive an automatic one (1) game suspension to be served in the next immediate game at the current championship.
(ii) Players sent from the field for the remainder of the game will receive an automatic two (2) game suspension at the current championship.
(iii) The dismissed player cannot be replaced during the game in which the dismissal occurred.
(iv) Players seen by selectors to blatantly call a "phantom touch" will severely jeopardize their selection to the NSWCHSSA team.
(v) If based on the referee's report, further action needs to be taken, the disputes committee shall adjudicate.
(j) Representative team
A NSWCHSSA Touch team of fourteen players will be selected at the championships by a selection panel.
(k) Selection panel
(i) The selection panel of three, will be elected at the pre-championship meeting.
(ii) The NSWCHSSA coach, if present, will be a member of the panel.
(iii) The state convener will act as chairperson of the panel.
(iv) The selection panel will also decide the "player of the series" award.
(v) It is strongly recommended that selectors possess a Level 1 Touch coach and Level 1 Touch Selector Certificate from the NCAS.
(l) Eligibility of students
Competing players must be bona fide secondary students of affiliated schools within the association they represent.
(m) Subcommittee Meetings
(i) Team managers and coaches plus championship organisers will be the only persons to attend subcommittee meetings held during the state championships. Each association is to nominate before the championship the one person eligible to vote.
(ii) The host association shall convene all necessary meetings of managers, one of which must be held prior to the actual commencement of competition. Attendance, extenuating circumstances excepted, at meetings is required of managers.
(iii) At the pre-championship meeting of managers, championship rules and regulations shall be discussed and local rules for the particular championship formulated. Championship rules as published in the NSWCHSSA Handbook cannot be changed at this meeting.
(n) Alterations to rules
Alterations to state championship rules must be approved by the NSWCHSSA council in the year preceding the competition.
(p) Sprint and relay format
(i) Sprint: runner starts on the dead ball line with the ball placed on the score line. On the starter’s signal the runner scoops the ball and carries it across the score line at the opposite end of the field. NSWCHSSA medals will be awarded to 1st and 2nd position.
(ii) Relay: 1st runner starts on the dead ball line with the ball placed on the score line. On the starter’s signal the runner scoops the ball and dumps it over the score line at the opposite end of the field. 2nd and 3rd runners scoop the ball and dump it over the opposite score line. 4th runner scoops the ball and carries it over the score line at the opposite end of the field. NSWCHSSA medals will be awarded to 1st and 2nd position.
4.24.3 Touch NSWCHSSA 15 years team selection trials
(a) Trials for the 15 years and under, NSWCHSSA Touch teams will be held over two (2) days during the school week. The purpose of these trials will be to select the NSWCHSSA team to compete at the NSW All Schools trials. Students may participate in the trials in the following manner.
(i) Through an association team – selected after an association trial.
or
(ii) On an individual basis should an association choose not to send a team.
(b) NSWCHSSA 15 years Touch trial rules
(i) Events
The championships will be run annually.
(ii) Entries
Each association may enter one boys and one girls team. If a association chooses not to send a team, then players may enter individually. (These players will be placed into composite teams at the discretion of the state convener and the selection committee).
(iii) Uniform
Players must wear the same association uniform, except in extreme weather conditions where individuals can wear clothing according to these conditions e.g coldness, but it must be in team colours.
This will be a numbered Touch shirt preferably (1-14) shorts, briefs, or tights, bodysuit and socks with suitable footwear.
An association team may wear all bodysuits, shorts, all briefs, or all tights of the same length but not a combination.
Appropriate shoes are to be worn by all players as per TFA handbook.
(iv) Match rules
All games to be played under Australian Touch Association rules.
A team shall consist of 14 players. Games will be played with 6 a side on the field.
The trials will be conducted on a "round robin" basis. All games will be thirty minute duration – no half-time – straight turn around on a score.
If ten associations are represented, a two "pool" system will operate. Pools will be determined from the previous year’s final positions.
Each team must be assembled, ready to play, five minutes prior to the scheduled starting time. A warning hooter (two short blasts) will sound one (1) minute prior to the start of each game. A second hooter will sound denoting time on.
(v) Pointscore
Win = 3 / Draw = 2 / Loss = 1 / Forfeit = 0
Where teams finish on equal points after all rounds, then the final positions will be determined by the following methods in order:
Touchdowns for and against – highest difference takes the higher position.
Percentages – touchdowns for multiplied by 100, divided by touchdowns against. The highest percentage takes the highest position.
Winner of the first round match.
Drop off - The 'drop off' system as per the current Touch Football Australia rules will apply.
(vi) Disputes: The disputes committee will comprise of:
The championship manager.
Two team managers from sides not involved in the dispute at hand, and nominated by the championship manager.
Team managers of players involved may act as an advocate.
Disputes must be lodged in writing to the championship organiser by the team manager within fifteen minutes of the completion of the game.
(vii) On field player conduct:
A player who has received three (3) periods of time throughout the tournament will receive an automatic one (1) game suspension to be served in the next immediate game at the current championship.
Players sent from the field for the remainder of the game will receive an automatic two (2) game suspension at the championships.
The dismissed player cannot be replaced during the game in which the dismissal occurs.
Players seen by selectors to blatantly call a "phantom" touch shall severely jeopardise their selection to the NSWCHSSA team.
If based on a referee's report, further action needs to be taken, the disputes committee shall adjudicate.
(viii) Representative team
A NSWCHSSA team of up to fourteen (14) players will be selected at the championship to participate in the NSW All-Schools Touch championships.
Selection panel
The selection panel shall consist of three members:
The NSWCHSSA coach
Two NSWCHSSA selectors
The selection panel will also decide the "player of the series award".
The female "player of the series" will be awarded the "Marissa Mckeon Memorial Medal".
(ix) Eligibility of students
Competing players must be bona fide secondary students of affiliated high schools within the association they represent. All students must not turn 16 years of age or older during the year of the championships.