Australian Oztag Announces Exciting Changes to Referee Development

by benj | Apr 29, 2025 | Latest News

Australian Oztag is pleased to announce a major restructure in our referee development program, a key pillar in maintaining Oztag’s position as the Number 1 tag sport in Australia and across the globe.

Referees are the backbone of our game, and ensuring we deliver world-class officiating at every level is central to the ongoing growth and success of our sport. With this in mind, Australian Oztag and the International Tag Federation (ITF) have been working hard to deliver targeted development programs both domestically and internationally.

Growing the Game Internationally

As showcased across our social media channels, recent months have seen Australian Oztag and the ITF running development clinics across the Pacific region. These clinics are part of a broader strategic plan to expand the number of Oztag-playing nations and strengthen the global footprint of the sport.

Development clinics have already been successfully hosted in Fiji and Japan, where local communities enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to learn and develop their officiating skills. This exciting program is only just beginning, 2025 will see further clinics scheduled in Samoa, Sri Lanka, India, and return visits to Fiji and Japan. These initiatives are crucial as we build toward the highly anticipated 2026 Tag World Cup. Stay tuned to our socials for more updates on these clinics.

New Leadership to Drive Referee Development

Australian Oztag is proud to announce that Ricky O’Connor has accepted the role of International Referee Development Officer for both Australian Oztag and the International Tag Federation for Australasia. Ricky’s wealth of experience and passion for referee education will be invaluable as he works to ensure that referees across emerging Pacific countries receive consistent training on the rules, interpretations, and standards of our game.

Ricky has already established strong ties with several Pacific nations and will continue to play a critical role in lifting the standard of officiating as the sport expands internationally.

Closer to home, Ray Dent has graciously accepted the invitation to step into the role of Australian Oztag’s Referee Director for Tournaments. Ray brings with him a proven track record of success from Queensland, where he introduced a number of initiatives that have been instrumental in referee development. His tournament experience, leadership, and vision for the future will be tremendous assets as Australian Oztag continues to enhance the referee pathway nationally. We warmly welcome Ray to this new role and look forward to seeing his impact across future events.

Supporting and Recognising Our Referees

Australian Oztag remains firmly committed to showcasing and rewarding the efforts of our referees. As part of this commitment, new rewards programs have been introduced to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and professionalism that our referees consistently bring to the game.

In addition, there will be increased opportunities for referees to be involved in international development work, including placements at clinics and tournaments in emerging Oztag nations. These opportunities not only offer invaluable experience but also highlight the critical role Australian referees are playing in shaping the future of the sport globally.

With these changes, Australian Oztag is taking bold steps to ensure our referees remain at the forefront of the game — both here at home and on the international stage. We are excited about the future and grateful to Ricky, Ray, and the entire referee community for their ongoing passion and dedication.

Stay tuned to our channels for more updates on referee development opportunities and international clinics as we head towards the massive ITF 5th World Cup!

The 2025 Oztag Interstate Series

by benj | Apr 3, 2025 | Latest News

The stage is set for one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year – the 2025 Interstate Series! This year’s event will take place at C.ex International Stadium in Coffs Harbour, where the best players from New South Wales and Queensland will go head-to-head for state supremacy.

New Schedule for a Bigger & Better Atmosphere

To enhance the tournament experience, the Interstate Series will now run on Friday and Saturday instead of the traditional Saturday-Sunday schedule. This change is expected to create a more energetic and competitive atmosphere throughout the event.

• Friday (September 19): The tournament kicks off with the official opening at 4:00 PM, followed by an evening of high-intensity matches. The first games begin at 5:00 PM, with the final match of the night starting at 7:30 PM.

• Saturday (September 20): A full day of State vs State battles, concluding with the closing ceremony, championship presentations, and MVP awards at C.ex Stadium. The bar will be kept open afterwards, so players and spectators are encouraged to stay and celebrate.

Interstate Rivalry Continues – Now with Mixed 20s!

An exciting addition to this year’s tournament is the introduction of the Mixed 20s division! After an unforgettable drop-off grand final between Penrith and St George at the NSW Senior State Cup, NSW will be entering a stacked side into the competition. Queensland will also be assembling a strong squad, with their team to be announced following their Senior State Cup in late June.

Stay tuned to NSW and QLD Oztag social pages for official team selections!

Can’t Make It to Coffs Harbour? Watch It Live!

After the success of last year’s broadcast, we’re excited to once again bring the action straight to you. If you’re unable to make the trip to C.ex Stadium, you can still catch every moment! All Field 1 games will be live-streamed on Kayo Freebies, allowing fans to follow their friends or family from anywhere in Australia

Enjoy the Tournament Experience – On and Off the Field

The Interstate Series isn’t just about what happens on the field—it’s also a fantastic event for players and spectators to enjoy. This year, the stadium will feature:

• On-site physios to provide rub-downs and pre-game strapping.
• A fully stocked bar, open for spectators and players to enjoy while watching the action.
• Food trucks serving up great meals throughout the event.
• An official team photo area where ibimages will be their to capture memories with teammates.

A Huge Thanks to Our Sponsors

Proudly supported by nib, GSA, and Zambrero, whose ongoing commitment helps make this tournament possible. Their support ensures that players can compete at their best while enjoying a top-tier event experience.

The 2025 Interstate Series is set to be an unmissable event filled with elite competition, fierce rivalries, and incredible moments. Be sure to follow our social media channels for updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content as we count down to kick-off!

Key Tournament Dates for 2026

by benj | Mar 6, 2025 | Latest News

Oztag in 2026 is shaping up to be another massive year, with the top players competing for state, national and international glory. Here are the key tournament dates to mark in your calendar.

Queensland Junior State Cup – January 30 – February 1. Sunshine Coast Stadium Bokarina, 31 Sportsmans Parade Bokarina QLD 4575

NSW Junior State Cup (9-11s) – February 6-8. The Kingsway, St Marys NSW 2760

NSW Junior State Cup (12-17s) – February 20-22. C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Stadium Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Queensland Senior State Cup – March 6-8. Sunshine Coast Stadium Bokarina, 31 Sportsmans Parade Bokarina QLD 4575

NSW Senior State Cup – March 20-22. C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Stadium Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Interstate Series – September 19-20. C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Stadium Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

ITF 5th World Cup – October 15-18. C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Stadium Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Junior Australian Championships – October 30 – November 1. C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Stadium Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Senior Australian Championships – November 13-15. C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Stadium Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

With state, national and international competitions on the horizon 2026 promises to deliver high-quality Oztag action. Stay tuned for updates, team previews, and tournament coverage. Follow us on social media for all the latest news and announcements!