Uncategorised | Touch Rugby

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COVID POLICY (dated 4th April at 10am)

We are legally allowed to, and will continue to PLAY TOUCH in the RED, ORANGE and GREEN LIGHT Covid Protection Framework settings.
We acknowledge that it is likely that there might be a degree of transmission of Covid amongst teams and individuals participating at our competitions. If anyone is uncomfortable with that possibility, we would advise them NOT to participate.

Cancellation / Default Procedure

It is polite for Captains to inform Organisers of their intention to default. It give us time to plan and arrange a meaningful game for your opposition. Simply NOT ARRIVING is rude and disrespectful to all parties, opposition and officials.
The internal Email confirmation system used by teams and captains IS NOT an acceptable way to inform organisers of a default.
Time and space permitting, we will do our best to catch up a defaulted game, although as the season nears its end, this will become harder to do this and most likely your team will be recorded a 5-0 loss.
Short of Numbers: If your team is short of numbers, we strongly advise you to arrive with whoever can play. We will attempt to arrange “ringers” to fill in. At best the opposition will be delighted you have made the effort and at Worst the game can be officially defaulted yet still played.
Before each game, if you are using ringers please have a chat to the opposing captain and clarify if the results will “stand” or if its just a muckaround game

Here is our evolving Vaccine / Covid Policy and Plan. At any time, the latest update appearing live here, will be our official stance.

We take guidance from the following resource SportNZ – Click Here
We are legally permitted to, and plan to play in Red and Orange light phases of the Covid Protection Framework (CPF).
~~Adults (and anyone older than 12 yrs) who haven’t been double vaccinated cannot participate in our competitions.~~
~~All Adults (over 12 yrs) must be prepared to show a valid Vaccine Passport QR Code, either printed or on a charged and present mobile phone.~~
~~Children under 12 – Are not required to show their vaccine pass, and it not mandatory for them to be vaccinated to participate.~~
~~TouchRugby reserves the right to insist that this Pass be presented before playing. (Any leniency granted in NOT requesting a pass, does not become a right as in, “you never asked me last time”).~~
Team Organisers: MUST check players vaccine Passes and should not knowingly allow unvaccinated adults to participate. We suggest they gather copies (printed or electronic) of their respective members passports for Presentation to referees and venue managers.
Vaccinated Spectators are Encouraged to be at our games AND events: Mask Up, distance by 1 metre and use your common sense. DO NOT enter the field of play. For one-off games spectators may join their team in their gather. For Tournaments spectators may not join the Team bubble at any stage and may keep their own supporters bubble / gathering.
~~Jurisdiction – TouchRugby is a private organization, whilst affiliated to TouchNZ and Regional Sport Organisations, the right to participate in our competitions is totally reserved.~~

REFUND POLICY: Specifically as it pertains to COVID

If our competitions are unable to proceed owing to a newly instituted LOCKDOWN, teams will be refunded pro-rata the games they cannot play, less a 10% admin fee. These fees are calculated on a 14 game adult season and a 7 game Junior season.
If we are NOT in lockdown, our competitions will be proceeding irrespective of the Colour status of the CPF (red / orange / green). This means our services will be proceeding with requisite manpower and expenses associated with presenting the competition. Teams that have signed up for the competitions will be liable for fees as agreed up on at registration.
Regrettably teams that cannot play because certain members need to be isolated, will not be refunded. We will do genuine best to schedule double-headers, arrange fills ins and to play catch up games where possible.

Feb 02

Junior Touch – Covid Info

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PARENTS / TEACHERS / COACHES of Juniors – Happy reading..

Here is how TouchRugby will be operating their Junior Touch Modules in the red Light of the CPF. We have used the following 2 resources; Government – and Sport NZ.

Summary: Touch in Red Light

Players: There are no requirements for physical-distancing while playing outdoor community sport. Multiple groups can operate simultaneously if they remain separated within defined spaces. (A Touch field is a defined space).
Coaches and Managers: Are allowed into the defined space of the players and are not included as participants for gathering numbers. (Ideally managers and coaches should wear a mask)
Spectators: Must not join the players on the field (defined space) and Must follow the general rules for life in Red Light (ie.Social Distance, Mask Wearing, Sanitise). A group of parents watching a game, may technically constitute their own gatherings in red light, but they must confidently remain in an isolated defined area and not mix with other groups. (Is this worth it, for the privilege of supporting without a mask?)
Vaccine Pass:
We are operating our leagues as a MY VACCINE EVENT. This sets our gathering numbers to 100. (Notwithstanding the fact that most of our Touch games will consist of less than 25 people per defined area, and therefore even in Red Light may proceed as an unvaccinated gathering, we choose to operate as such).
Players and Spectators over the age of 12: No Vacc – No Gather – No Play. All managers and / or coaches and / or responsible parents must sight these passes. If you enter a defined space (A touch field), to participate or support, you must carry your pass and MAY be requested to show it. * Good Faith Below
Multiple Teams: A player / coach may play in 2 different teams, but no more than 2. (Our logic is that a general Touch game involves 25 people at most, and being involved with more than 2, will be exposing us to above 100 people gathering).
Children u12: Children under 12 are not obliged to be vaccinated to participate. Children under 12, if vaccinated, are not required to show proof.
Good Faith: We are happy to allow parents, managers and volunteers to mask up and check passes on our behalf. In Good faith, we assume managers and participants will comply with these rules.
Jurisdiction: TouchRugby is a private organisation, one that works closely with schools, clubs and Regional and National Sports Organisations such as Touch NZ. That said, we have full jurisdiction and control of our competition and right of admission rests solely with us.

The Last Say: The longer we operate in the Red Light setting of the protection framework the more we realise the simplicity of what we are trying to achieve. Mitigate and slow the spread of Covid, yet somehow continue doing what we love. The irony of “not gathering” while doing the exact opposite is not lost on us. Do not in any way enjoy our services if you are not comfortable with the way we operate.

Dec 10

Rain Policy – Its always ON, until its Not!

In: Auckland, Provincial, Uncategorised

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Touch is always going ahead as per the fixtures online – Click Here

When there is rain in the air (especially during Spring) I am sure team members, parents and concerned parties will want to know – “ARE WE PLAYING?”

The answer will always remain YES. There are no MAYBES. The answer will continue to remain “YES” until we specifically inform your team that it is cancelled.

Then with regards to the actual decision to cancel, here is how we make the decision. We won’t CANCEL because its raining per say. We cancel if there is danger to life or limb, the chance of irreparable damage to the field and finally if we can afford to postpone fixtures, i.e. Weeks remaining in the season, daylight etc.

Here is how we cancel, if we do 1: We post and immediate update on our Facebook page – www.facebook.com/touchfiooty 2: We send an email from our IT SYSTEM like this 3: Your captain gets a text 4: As soon as possible we update the fixtures online (might take a day or 2).

We tend to leave the office after 3pm,so if ever you are mildly worried about rain you are welcome to TEXT to 021 249 3678 or the designated TOUCH line of 027 666 5668.

Thanks and see you pitch side – Graeme and the Team

Nov 10

Summer Touch Plans in Traffic Light System

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The 29th November seems like a line in the sand and when we can look forward to playing some touch again. ” Insert subject to …. clause here 🙂 ”

We are gearing up to squeeze in 3 weeks of Adults touch before the XMAS break holidays.
We are then gearing up to play 9-10 weeks between Jan and March.
At this stage Juniors will be played in Term 1, however we are considering some form of one-off Tournament.

Tentative dates – Adults
Monday Touch @ Vic Park & Cox’s Bay – 6th, 13th, 20th December 2021
Tuesday Touch @ Cox’s Bay, Mangere (Manukau Rovers), Vic Park Lunch – 7th, 14th, 21st December 2021
Wednesday Touch @ Massey, Cornwall Park, Fearon Park, East Coast Bays – 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd December 2021
Thursday Touch @ Orakei Domain, Cornwall Park, East Coast Bays – 2nd, 9th, 16th December 2021
Friday Touch @ Grey Lynn Park, Panmure – 3rd, 10th, 17th December 2021

Juniors
Regrettably, there will be insufficient time to squeeze in a JUNIOR Term 4 competition, however we WILL be running Junior Touch in Term 1, commencing in the first week of School.

Juniors & Seniors One-Day Tournament interest
We are “pivoting”, which means thinking on our feet :-). We are putting in place plans for a welcome back TRAFFIC LIGHT TOUCH TOURNAMENT, in lieu of our missed popular Spring Warm up Tournament. This is venue dependent and the tentative dates are the 4th and 5th December – Let us know if your team would be interested in taking part in this Comp so we can start gaging interest? We are considering having Juniors on Saturday and Seniors on Sunday. (Basically the belated Spring Warm up Tournament).

Other Important Stuff
We will be implementing whatever Vaccine Passport requirements are mandated.
We will be operating strict Covid health policies, including cleaning equipment, separating fields and possible entrances.
Pro-rate Reduction in Fees – If for whatever reason competitions are cut short, we will be refunding teams for the games that haven’t been played, less a 10% Admin fee.

So dust off & polish those boots. Start stretching those lockdown muscles and get ready for touch again in a few weeks!!

Oct 12

Be ready to go at the drop of a Hat – Summer 21-22 Covid Plans

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Covid is not playing ball. If and when, we get the go ahead, we at TouchRugby.co.nz are ready run leagues at the drop of a hat! The draws, the refs, the fields & the equipment can be fired up within a week of Level 2+ restrictions being met.

If you haven’t signed up, because you are just NOT SURE, please still go ahead and enter your team online. Click Here. Don’t stress about paying fees, or potentially having to withdraw. Your entry helps us guage true demand and to get our grading sorted.

If it helps with your planning please take a look at the following info: These are our intentions!.. When can we play?… How are you protected?… What systems are in place?

When we get to gatherings of “20 or more”, in an outside environment, we feel we can safely being competitions. This was known as Level 2 in previous lockdowns, however with the new scenarios maybe this will be stage 2 or 3. (Like everyone we are waiting on more clarity).

Latest possible start in 2021
Junior Touch – 10th November (latest possible start). This will allow us to run a 5 week Competition. (We will reduce entry fees accordingly)
If term 4 is cancelled, we WILL be back for a 7 week season in Term 1 Season
Adult Touch – We can start any week from now until Xmas. If the remainder of the year is cancelled, we will run an abbreviated Jan-April Season of around 10 weeks. (We will reduce entry fees accordingly)

Playing Areas: Touch Fields count as independent playing areas, so naturally we can accommodate all teams and we are confident of separating them.
Vaccine status: All players will need to indicate their vaccine status in their online profile*. (This information is confidential and strictly for administrators to know). We reserve the right to make vaccines mandatory and will follow Sport NZ’s lead on this one.
Contact Tracing: All players will need to be registered and captains will be required to Tick who is present for each game.
QR codes and signing in will be mandatory
Equipment cleaning will be mandatory between games

Financial and Refund Policy
No Play No Pay – We have 3 options
1: We can issue a Refund on fees direct to your account. 2: Keep a credit against your Team for future competitions 3: Donate your entry fee to our designated Charity – Mass Sport Trust
We are no longer requiring a deposit to enter your team and you are only liable for fees once the season has started.
If the season doesn’t start, we will issue a full refund to any teams that have paid.
If the season starts, but gets shortened, we will issue a pro-rata refund based on the number of games not played, MINUS a $50 admin fee.

Sep 13

What Kind of Social Touch Player are You?

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Your average Social / Corporate Touch team is full of the characters. With over 25 years experience standing on the side of the pitch running corporate Touch leagues around the World I’ve decided to catalogue the stereotypes I’ve seen out there. Tag a mate, even if they display just few traits mentioned below! I will do my best to add some photos (and maybe some market research) as time goes by!

Usual Suspects
Regular, chilled sporty Kiwi , only too happy to chuck a ball around socially after work and maybe share a refreshment or two with mates. (Touch, Netball, Soccer it doesn’t matter the sport).

Alpha Males
Sub-category of Usual Suspects, but missed the memo about joining the “Social” mixed grade. For the Alpha it’s all about the DUB, which might mean no subbing, no passing to the chicks and even flinging handbags, if out-alpha’d.

Newbies
Like a baby turtle trying to make it to the shore, with a little bit of patience and grit, Newbies might become Usual Suspects. Until then they must serve their dues; freeze in the sub-box, not get passed to, be side-stepped and learn the 5m defence rule.

Unlikely Hero
Gangly stoner-looking dude rocks up with his skinny legs and creased shorts (someone’s brother or a friend from school). The team is looking at their shoes thinking “ffs, who asked this guy to play”. He starts on the wing (because that’s where you hide the trash) and then he makes a great touch, saving a certain try. Nek Minute he puts the hammer down to score a 60 metre touchdown. At the end of the game Alpha says “So Bro, fancy a game next week, it’s Ok if your brother can’t make it”.

Wackcitee – (“Take me to Wack City”)
It’s that guy that simply can’t help himself stepping (wacking)! His own teammates roll their eyes, stand and wait for him to trip, while all forward momentum is lost. Takimeetoo will either rotate 360, twist his ankle, run out of play or heaven forbid achieve glory by sidestepping the receptionist lady who’s filling in for the corporate team. One successful step will keep him coming back for more!

Catalogue Man
Invariably its that guy from Sales team. Always sporting a fresh fade, gym shorts and the cleanest, newest cleats (lumo). If he’s a rugby man its long socks and an AB shirt and if he’s into league a genuine bright yellow NBA singlet. He’s tanned with lovely Tats, but not too many though – just neat and tidy. This guy can usually play a bit if push comes to shove, but won’t sweat too much and certainly won’t be diving in the corner to win the game

Barbie
Similar in many ways to Catalogue Man and sometimes a Newbie. The sports field is not their comfortable place and wish that team sport could be done at a Les Mills pump class, instead of a muddy touch field. Still, they are positive people and figure the tighter the clothing, the more tries you will score. Will receive proportionally more passes from an Alpha Male.

Exchange Student
Your teammates are late to the park and somehow “Fernando” or “Greta” the exchange student finds their way into your game. They look fit and they are super-friendly, but their soccer skills won’t help them here. After explaining “Over the mark” and “Touch and Pass” for the 4th time they get subbed and stand wide-eyed next to the field for the entire game as your 6 exhausted players choose not to Sub!

She’s a keeper!
Short of females, the team manager (who has the left wing position sorted) asks a new girl “Suzy”. “Apparently she plays netball and club soccer” she says to Alpha via DM. Suzy is quiet and nods knowingly in the pre-game talk – “The perfect wing, the Alpha’s think to themselves!”. 10 minutes into the game, Suzy still hasn’t touched the ball because the alpha males are convinced touch is played by 3 guys through the middle. Finally Catalogue guy lobs a softly-softly pass to Suzy (This is a team sport after all). The guys stop, expecting a turnover, when Suzy catches cleanly, throws the dummy, lengthens her stride and accelerates around her opposite number to score a 2 pointer. After the stunned silence, the General speaks, “YEEEAH, “She’s a keeper!”

The General
This guy is a Touchee (He knows his shizzle). Usually a short guy (a once-was-Alpha) between 30-45, who walks straight to the centre for the tap off. He’s a middle, wears NRL shorts, maybe a Galaxy or Auckland touch singlet to indicate he’s been there and done that! “You hit it up for me”, “Go Down”, “Split right”, “Early pass”. Newbies actually enjoy playing with this guy, because he talks, Alphas not so much! This “general” is the teabag in your cuppa, but then again he’s not everyone’s cuppa tea. The Fat Generals tend to live in the past but watch those skinny ones – they still go alright!

Wily Old Fox
Fox Man is Greying at the temples, in upper management, but not the CEO (because its a known fact that CEO’s can’t play Touch for sh!te). Anyway 30 years ago this geyser obviously played a bit of sport. Wily old fox never misses his man, is quick to sub because he plays within himself and can lift his game should some lippy 20 something threaten to show him up. Wily old Fox would sooner slit his wrists than let Takimeeto step him.

Arnold Swartznegger
Arnie is a great guy and from the side-line looks like he should take the team to play-off glory. Problem is, he insists on a medium team shirt, when he clearly needs an XXL, his shorts are impossibly tight and he spent all his money on supplements so doesn’t have cleats. This all makes for a “gumby Arnie” and when he isn’t knocking over innocent opposition he is flattering to deceive. When The General puts Arnie into the gap everyone expects pace and muscular efficiency, the SBW of Corporate touch. Suzie, Unlikely Hero or even Wily Old Fox will catch him in a sec, if Arnie doesn’t trip and face-plant because he forgot leg day!

Touch Slut – (Gender Neutral as we have male and female sluts among us).
These “easy” going players can be found Wondering between fields making themselves available to fill in for any and all teams. They are not picky and go with any team, from A grade to super social! Its a badge they wear with honour and for most part these sluts are very useful to the organisers (pimps). Their prolific getting around, means they play well and can often make games even. That said beware the ALPHA TOUCH SLUT, who manage to create conflict and cause massive upsets in the knock-out rounds!

Mr Nice Guy – is the consummate Team player, quick to utter “my bad ” when it was actually the Fat general’s fault. He’s the kind of person your folks wish’d you’d become. A.K.A. “The 7th Player” because he starts on the bench (Who voluntarily does that?) and subs way too early to give others a chance. Never shouts or loses his cool with Takimeeto. He’s the guy who pulls the Alphas apart and is very likely to pass to Newbie. Easily an A grade player, but at home in the E grade. Nice Guy, never butchers a touchdown and will never dis the referee or the opposition. BUT.. Secretly, there is a nagging suspicion? Surely no one can be this Nice? Maybe a porn addiction, Axe murderer.. Just sayin!

Send us some Feedback from “TOUCH USO” and “TOUCH KAREN”

If you can think of any other stereotypes we can add – feel free to send them along.

Aug 27

Fun filled Junior Touch Competitions in your area this Summer.

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Junior Touch refers to fun 7-week term based Touch competitions for kids between Yr1 (5) all the way to Yr 7&8 (12&13). TOUCHRUGBY runs Junior Competitions in Auckland – Central (Cox’s Bay Reserve), Norwest (Massey), Central (Sandringham) and South (Mangere).

Our competitions are FUN, summer competitions, where we encourage mass participation. Our competitions are affiliated to Touch NZ and the respective Provincial Touch associations. We encourage the KEEN, TALENTED children to seek out the representative pathways that are on offer from Harbour, Auckland & Counties Touch.

Cox’s Bay Junior Touch, previously known as Galaxy Touch, is hosted at the picturesque Cox’s Bay Reserve in Westmere. This is a schools competition for Junior and Intermediate children. There are 2 distinct terms of Touch during Term 4 and Term 1. We prefer teams entering under the school banner, however when certain schools are not participating we welcome Club or Private teams that may wish to enter.

Term 4 Touch Kicks off on TUESDAY afternoon 19th October for 8 weeks Finishing 7th December 2021.

Central Juniors is hosted at Fearon Park in Mt Roskill. Enjoy the smiles and non-competitive nature of this awesome Junior competition that has close links to Eden Rugby as well schools in the Sandringham, Mt Albert and Mt Roskill area.

Term 4 Touch Kicks off Wednesday 27th 2021 for 7 weeks Finishing in the 2nd Week of December.

Enter a League Fixtures Ask a Question Individual Entry

The Mangere Juniors Touch competition is hosted at Williams Park home of Manukau Rovers. There are Grades for Year 1&2 (4pm), 3&4 (4&4:30pm), 5&6, 7&8 (open) (5&5:30). Preferably no more than 8 players in a team but as many as 10 will be accepted. We prefer teams entering under the school banner, however when certain schools are not participating we welcome Rugby and League teams.

Term 4 Touch Kicks off on TUESDAY afternoon 26th October for 7 weeks Finishing 13th December 2021.

Enter a League Fixtures Ask a Question Individual Entry

Norwest Junior Touch is hosted at the picturesque Moire Park in Massey. This is a schools competition for Junior and Intermediate children. There are 2 distinct terms of Touch during Term 4 and Term 1.
We prefer teams entering under the school banner, however when certain schools are not participating we welcome Rugby and League teams.

Term 4 Junior Touch Touch Starts on 27th October 2021 for 7 weeks finishing in the 2nd week of December 2021.

Enter a League Fixtures Ask a Question Individual Entry

Aug 25

Touch Footy – Light Lockdown Reading and General Info

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Here is some lazy, light lockdown Touch Footy info for your reading pleasure. We have some info around currently “Paused” Winter competitions, some Spring one-off Events and of course Summer Touch. (Summer is 2-months away so we remain positive we will be gathering socially to play sport by then… Hmmm).

WINTER COMPETITIONS – Status
Winter Touch and Winter Turbo comps are on HOLD owing to the Covid lockdown. We are not cancelling any of them just yet, but will probably reduce the seasons so we can finish in time for Summer Touch. We watch our daily numbers and trends with interest.
Turbo n Vibez – (Turbo Touch Nationals) scheduled for the 12th Sept has been officially Cancelled. Damnn!

SPRING WARM-UP TOURNAMENTS – Jnr and Snrs
We have separate One-Day Tournaments for Junior and Senior Teams respectively. Both these events are OPEN for entry. Play 4-5 warm up games, get your combos sorted, listen to great Music and generally have a fun day out with Friends and Whanau.
Spring Warm Up for Senior Teams – Sun 26th Sept Coxes Bay – Click Here
***SPRING WARM UP Tournament for JUNIOR Teams*** New Event – Sunday 17 October – Kristin College – North Shore – Click Here
Waiheke 2022 – Only space or 30 teams – Sat 12th Feb 2022 – (Already starting to full up) – Click Here

***NEW JUNIOR and SENIOR COMPETITIONS***
We are pleased to announce that TouchRugby.co.nz is now managing Tuesday at Cox’s Bay. Along with our amazing MONDAY night we will add a very popular JUNIOR competition, followed by the old Corporate competition to make TUESDAY at Cox’s Bay great again!

SUMMER TOUCH for JUNIORS
Touch for Juniors – Auckland Wide
Tues – Mangere / Tues – Westmere / Wed – Mt Roskill / Wed – Massey
** New **Spring Warm Up Tournament for JUNIOR Teams – All Teams Welcome – Click Here

SUMMER TOUCH for ADULTS
We have a host of great summer touch locations, each with its own atmosphere, grades and playing level. There should be something for every type of team! Generally each comp taps off in the week commencing 25th October **. If you have a regular team, and know exactly Where you want to play, simply CLICK Here, sign in with the email address you have received this communication on and sign up!

Touch on a Monday
Vic Park Touch ** Early Tap off, Coxes Bay Touch, Vic Park Turbo
Touch on a Tuesday
Coxes Bay (Jnr&Snr), Auckland Grammar, Mangere / Airport (Manukau Rovers) (Jnr&Snr), Vic Park Lunch
Touch on a Wednesday
Massey (Jnr&;Snr) Massey RFC, Cornwall Park, Mt Roskill (Jnr&Snr)
Touch on a Thursday
Orakei Domain (Grammar Tec), Cornwall Park, Massey (Massey RFC),
Touch on a Friday Night for Communities
Grey Lynn (Richmond Rovers), Panmure Mt Wellington (Marist Auckland)

TEAM KIT – Click Here for more information and to get a list of our accredited suppliers. We offer our own funky kit sets too. $250 for a set of 14 Numbered Singlets, perfect for your Social Touch Team. (Big, small and in between). Our order is placed so kits will be here well in time for Spring Warm up events and certainly ready for summer tap-off.
INDIVIDUALS – What if you can’t enter a whole team. Click here for more info on how to enter as an Individual as well as our GURUS touch club. We try to leave no one behind!
MASTERS GRADES – Thurs Cornwall, Thurs Orakei, Wed Massey. (On Monday and Tuesday we put Masters into Mens Social Grades). Click Here
REFEREES – We need Senior and Junior Refs. Click Here Keep Fit, Earn some spending money, but more importantly make a difference – Get in Touch and we will train you, Kit you out

That’s all for now – Stay in TOUCH and hopefully we can get out and about sooner rather than later

The Touch Team

Aug 17

All of New Zealand moves to Alert Level 4