The purpose of this memo is to provide clarification on the implementation of the Federation of International Touch (FIT) 5^th Edition playing rules at a community level, plus advise of opportunities for members to familiarise themselves with these rule changes through online courses.

Background

Touch NZ had previously implemented the FIT 5^th Edition Trial playing rules at all Touch NZ National events during the 2020/2021 season.

Following consultation with FIT and National Touch Organisations it was resolved to adopt the FIT 5^th Edition Trial playing rules for Touch.  As such, Touch New Zealand formally adopt these at a community level through Modules, Provincial Associations and Regions for the 2021/2022 season.

Implementation at a community level

We encourage all Provincial Associations and Module organisers to implement the FIT 5^th Edition playing rules to align with the ruling used through the pathways of Touch NZ.

Key rule changes and considerations from a module perspective would be:

• Changes to field markings e.g., 5-metre line is now a 7-metre line
• Players are now expected to retire a fixed distance of seven metres to be onside
• On an intercept by a defending player, the first touch will now be zero (0) touch
• Sin bin duration now defined as four (4) complete possessions
• As well as significant changes to the drop-off procedure

The full FIT 5^th Edition playing rules can be found here.

The yellow referee rule cards that module organisers receive in their module packs upon their affiliation with Touch NZ will also be updated to reflect the FIT 5^th Edition playing rules.

Upskilling opportunity

Touch NZ is working on releasing a new online Level One referee course which will be an opportunity for members to upskill on the FIT 5^th Edition playing rules free of charge. The online course is scheduled to be launched the second week of September.

The online course will provide users with all fundamental skills and education required to referee touch at the community level. 

There are interactive elements, videos, and knowledge checkpoints along the way to assist learners. 

The course is broken into ten modules, which users can complete at their own pace.

There will be more communication to follow regarding how to access the course once it has been launched.

Article added: Friday 13 August 2021