I spoke to Tom and he agrees its a common sense factor again, you cant hold them down but slight tap aways are allowed. If you watch the youtube videos you will see there are better ways of avoiding being tagged.

but mate... just who has been injured by tag fending? What exactly is the point of the rule?

Mate seriously I did not write it - its an international rule that was adopted.

So we're good to push a hand away from the attempted tag. I can totally see the point of no fending of players (hand-offs), but quite often, as was found yesterday, it's a natural reaction to push the hand away from the attempted tag.

Good news!

Fending-off and defending of tags was only allowed last season.

Before the TML was established, there was NO fending-off, and NO defending of tags on the IMBRL circuit. Most players in the longer established teams played to these unofficial rules, so why can't you just revert back to them?

(Don't jump down my throat, just a serious question.)

Have to agree with this.

Not sure it belongs on this thread or one of the others, but

As much as I don't like saying it, because its a shame if anyone leaves the sport, but it only takes two teams at this weekends Magic weekend to say we like this and continue to play tag rugby (either in the league or festivals) to make up the numbers. Any more than that and its actually a gain for the governing body, so the loses won't be felt.

The only hope for those who want to go back to last years rules (in my opinion anyhows) is to hope that the numbers of players don't increase this year. However after already knowing personally the greater popularity of the new rules and people more willing to get involved, I think this is very unlikely.


East riding and HKR didnt join this year because of the new rules !!!
Edited By Coach

I've fended tags in every game I've played in since 2003

An official email regarding fending will be sent out soon to clarify everything. A happy medium has been developed for everyone.

Fin

Also a point to be made, this years rules are not that much different to last years rules but it seems the interpretation and lack of training is causing an issue. This is being looked at and I would ask all teams to continue through this teething period.

Fending of TAGS will be alot better than what we had at the weekend already we have the majority of the league wanting fending. So where ETC gets his facts (views) from is anyones guess.
In fact i thought you said you would not be happy with fending and would leave?

Anyhow i arent going down that road again with "my games more popular than yours" childish drivel.

The facts are we have changed the game for the minority in the hope of expanding the game to reach a new larger audience, we can give it a year and see what happens there will be a review at the end of the season.

At least now we know we can fend the tags.

I dont want no more "my games better than yours" on here unless you have evidence through months of research which i know none of you have.

Anymore and ill lock it

For what it's worth, I feel that allowing fending will naturally lead to more contact in defence as you almost have to stop the attacking player to remove the tag. Otherwise how are you supposed to get to the tag with someone running full speed past you (at spaces, not faces) and they are fending the tag closest to you? By wrapping your arms around to try and get either tag you are effecting a tackle and should be penalised!

The Lost Loiners, for one, are disappointed that this rule is included.

we can fend the tags, FULL STOP,,

Exactly that, we need to get the rules embedded in and any minor changes made when needed.

All Coach and I are saying is some flexibility for some games and clubs.