Added: 03/20/2006 |
A Touch Football Description - Demonstrating the Fundamental Difference Between Touch and Traditional RugbyTouch football is a non-violent sport, derived from rugby football. In different locations it is called in different ways, including touch football, or just Touch, touch rugby, six down, non-tackle American football, etc. The game is quite similar to American football (or rugby football), but there are some essential differences. In a short touch football description it is necessary to evaluate the main characteristics of this game.
As Touch started as a social game, it has been adapted to more liberal conditions. So, the first point in touch football description would be its advantages over the traditional game. One of them is injury risk minimization. So, the traditional tackle from rugby has been replaced with a touch. The touch can be made wherever on the body or clothes, but some regulations consider a touch only if it is performed by both hands in the region below the hips. Considering the minimal risk of injury (any aggressive manifestation is penalized by the referee) the equipment required is also minimal: a ball and a playing area are quite enough.
The playing area may have different dimensions. According to the Federation of International Touch (FIT) the official field of play must have 70 meters in length and 50 meters in width. As a social game Touch can be played anywhere, including parks and even on the beach, usually barefoot. An important advantage of Touch football is that it can be played by children, without the risk of injury. That is why it is introduced in many school programs as a part of their curriculum.
Also Touch, as a casual competition, does not require any special training and skills. It can be played by anyone. This game has also been adapted to different categories of handicapped people, such as wheelchair rugby. The second important point in touch football description is its extent and popularity.
Though touch football started as a social, or so-called "park game", it became very popular over the years, and now it is considered to be an official kind sport, governed by the Federation of International Touch. The Federation of International Touch has been formed in 1985, in Melbourne, Australia. In 1989 in Australia the first Touch Word Cup took place.
There have been held five Touch World Cups since that time. The popularity of the game is continuingly increasing and the number of participants is growing. An interesting thing in touch football is that it can be played both by males and females, as well as by mixed teams. It can also be played by diverse categories, including the age category over 50.
Touch football has the greatest popularity in Australia. The National Touch League is the main competition there. There are officially registered 13 teams of Touch. A serious concurrent to Australian players are the participants from New Zealand. Touch football is also popular in Scotland, England, South Africa, Japan, United States and other countries.
Considering the touch football description we may conclude that this is an easy learning, competitive, interesting and quite popular game that requires minimal conditions and can be played by different categories of people, avoiding the risk of serious injury.
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