Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy shorts/tights?

Shorts and tights will be sold at the office on any game night.

How many players do you need if you want to put a team into the competition?

You will need a minimum of eight players to register a team.  There is no limit to how many numbers you can have in a team however we recommend 10-12 players to give everybody plenty of game time.

We have 5-6 players but not 10, can they sign up as individuals and be in the same team?

We will try our best in this situation to place players in the same team, though when signing up as Individual players this cannot always be guaranteed depending on the number of individual players signing up.  Please provide the names of people you would liek to play with when signing up.

What times do we play?

Games can be played at any time between 6.30pm and 10.00pm.  Our standard games times are 7.00pm, 7.50pm and 8.40pm BUT these may vary due to the number of teams and/or number of fields available.  We will attempt to accommodate any teams’ requests to play/not play at certain timeslots but cannot guarantee that the requests can be met.

Summer 2023/24 timeslots – 7.00, 7.45, 8.30 and 9.15pm

We will attempt to rotate teams’ timeslots weekly, but no guarantees are given.  All teams may play at any time slot during the season. Every effort is made to even out the number of games played at each time slot, but no guarantee is given.

Our team’s jerseys are all the same colour but different designs/brands on them, is this okay?

All teams must have matching and numbered jerseys by round 4. 

There are penalties in place for players out of uniform after round 3 unless there is an acceptable reason.  An acceptable reason IS NOT:

  • I left mine at home.
  • I have multiple teams.
  • The dog ate it.
  • It’s in the car or another bag.

In the above cases if you require a shirt, you can purchase an ‘Association’ Shirt for $15.  This is the players to keep and is the only shirt that player can wear for that team.

Players out of uniform on the field will also be penalised 1 try per player out of uniform. This will be decided by the Competition Official in attendance (not the referee).

Players will be warned for Rounds 1-3 before rule is applied.

Consideration will be given where a team is unable to obtain single replacement shirts.  In these cases, the shirt MUST be the same colour as the main colour of normal shirt, must be numbered (different from others in the team) AND you must get clearance from the office BEFORE taking the field.

There will be no consideration given to teams/players coming up the office after a game raising issues with uniforms.  If you have concerns, you must raise them with our Competition Official (not the referee) during the game or at half time.  The decision of the Competition Official is final, any arguing or dissent shown towards the Competition Official regarding policing this rule will see additional penalties imposed on the player/team in question.

Work with us on improving this aspect of our game.  If you are having issues with shirts please come and see us, do not leave it and wait to be caught.  We will work with and show leniency towards genuine cases of difficulty regarding shirts, where players/teams have contacted us as soon as the issue arises.

Can I play if I don’t have a full team?

Yes, if you wish to enter as an individual player please register your interest for any or all nights

You do not need to pay any registration fee’s until you are in a team.

My team doesn’t have eight players for some games, can we still play?

Yes, you can play with as little as 5 players.

Will teams be regraded if their games are too hard/easy?

Results are continually monitored by us, if you feel your team is in the wrong division, we encourage you to have a conversation with an official as soon as possible. An initial regrading will take place after Round 3.  A final round of regrading is generally done after Round 6.  We reserve the right to regrade a team at any time should we beem it necessary.

Every care when grading teams but due to numerous factors it is not always possible to get teams graded correctly.  When doing the initial grading there are many factors we have to consider including:

  • Past performance of team
  • Players in a team (experience, rep players)
  • Oztag experience (new teams/players)
  • Number of teams into a division
  • Potential player/referee clashes
  • Team requests
  • Field availability
  • Our knowledge of teams

To achieve as fair a competition as possible the following guidelines apply to the regrading of teams:

  • We will undertake an initial review of gradings after Round 3, with a final review generally after Round 6, when most teams have played each other once. The committee reserves the right to re-grade a team at any time should they deem it necessary.
  • When a team is re-graded, they will be moved to the new division with the same competition points as the team running mid-ladder but retain their own tries for and tries against in the new division. This ensures they, and the other teams in the new division, have an opportunity to compete fairly over the remaining rounds.  Re-grading is not meant to reward or penalise teams.

When reviewing the competition for possible re-grading following are some factors that are considered:

  • How many games have been played and against what teams have these games been played?
  • How many players did teams have playing on a particular night; how many players did the opposition have?
  • How is the whole division performing?
  • Are there other teams in the same division who may need to be re-graded?
  • What are the for/against figures?
  • Are there teams in higher/lower divisions that require re-grading and may be switched with?
  • Do the teams have a history of poor performance and then much improved performance once downgraded?

 

Can we wear League Tag shorts/tights?

Players are required to wear official Australian Oztag shorts or tights. Under no circumstances are players allowed to sew velcro patches onto pants/tights or wear TAG20, LEAGUE TAG or any other unofficial shorts/tights.

Shorts (from $30) & Tights (from $35) can be purchased from the office on any game night.

How many points are given for females scoring in mixed divisions?

2 points are given per try for females.

When do teams train?

As Oztag is a recreational sport there is no training, however if the teams wish to organise their own training they can.

How many weeks does the competition go for?

We plan to play 12 rounds of competition games and then 2 weeks of finals (semi-finals and grand finals)

We will allow two wet weather weeks at the end of the competition.  If we have more wet weather rounds then weeks available, then some rounds may be cancelled.  We reserve the right to alter any and all competiion dates if required.  If we change dates, we will provide as much notice as possible.

Where can I find the draws each week?

Players are encouraged to download the SportFix app and all draws will be loaded on here and updated throughout the competition.   The draws and results can also be found on our website.  Everybody is encouraged to join our Facebook page ‘Penrith Oztag’ for all updates and wet weather announcements.  

Can I play in multiple teams?

Players may register in multiple teams under the following conditions:

  • There are no discounts for registering in multiple teams.
  • We offer no guarantee that games will not clash.
  • If a player is registered in more than one team, and both teams play at the same time they can only switch teams at half time. Players must be in correct uniform for each team.
  • It is the responsibility of each player playing in more than one team on the same night to advise us of this if both teams make the finals. Where advised we will make every effort to avoid a clash of games.
  • A player cannot register in two teams in the same division. If a player registers in more than one team that are then re-graded to the same division, we will offer alternative arrangements for the player in question.  The committee has the discretion to permit this in extenuating circumstances.
  • The registration of any player into more than one team is at the discretion of the committee.
If you play in multiple teams, is it cheaper?

No, you must pay your registration fee for each team you play in.

What happens if when fields have been closed due to bad weather?

Always assume that games are on. If and only if games will NOT go ahead due to weather conditions we will post on our Penrith Oztag Facebook page. There is no need to contact Penrith Oztag if there is no Facebook posts indicting games are off.

If there are rounds washed out, we have allowed several weeks at the end of the season to catch up games, the finals will be pushed back if required.  If the washed-out rounds cannot be caught up in these weeks, then:

  • Games may be played on any day of the week, including weekends. These may be single or multiple rounds.
  • 2 half games may be played on the same night if possible. These will either be two separate games or games for double points if the opposition match up.
  • If they cannot be played in the catch-up rounds or half games, then the rounds will be cancelled. No refunds will be issued.

If the fields are closed during the finals, the finals will be pushed back into any remaining spare weeks, if they have not already been used.  If there are no spare weeks:

  • Final series games may be cancelled.
  • Grand Finals will be attempted to be played on alternative days in the weeks leading up to the next season.

If the Grand Finals are not completed at least 2 weeks prior to the next competition, then joint premiers will be declared and prize money split accordingly.

There will be NO REFUNDS for games/seasons being shortened, varied or cancelled due to conditions outside of our control (eg: weather, public health, council requirements)

What are your bank account details?
  • BSB: 032278
  • Account No: 501391
  • Account Name: Penrith OzTag Association Inc
  • Reference: Your name and team name
How long do I have to pay my registration fee's?

Players must pay their registration fee’s BEFORE they play any games.  Any players that play without paying their registration fees in full, or making arrangements with us for payment, will result in their team LOSING 6 points for each game the player plays, and the player will be suspended for 2 matches

If you are having issues paying your fee’s you need to see the competition manager to make arrangements.  In cases where arrangements cannot be made you CANNOT PLAY until your registrations are paid in full.

Can I obtain a refund or transfer my registration to another player?

If a player can no longer play during the season the following applies:

  1. If the player withdrawing IS NOT being replaced and HAS NOT played any games, they will get a full refund minus a $20 administration fee.
  2. If the player withdrawing IS NOT being replaced and HAS played games, they are entitled to NO REFUND. (Unless there are extenuating circumstances (at the Committee’s discretion))
  3. If the player withdrawing IS being replaced and HAS NOT played any games the cost to the replacement player is $20. (Generally, the replacement player will reimburse the player they are replacing the difference in registration fees. We are happy to refund the player their registration fee as per point 1, but the replacement player will then need to pay the full registration fee).
  4. If the player withdrawing IS being replaced and HAS played games the cost to the replacement player is $50.
  5. If a player wants to transfer to a different team and HAS NOT played any games, there is no charge.
  6. If a player wants to transfer to a different team and HAS played games, there is a $20 charge.
  7. All replacements/withdrawals/transfers can only be done up until Round 7.
  8. All replacements/refunds/transfers are subject to the Committee’s discretion.

If you have any questions regarding replacements/withdrawals, please discuss with us.

How many Rep players can I have in my team?

No exceptions for any team no matter how long they have been together, family members, keeping rep teams together or for any other reason.

To try to maintain the competitiveness of our competitions, and to give all teams a fair go, we have rules in place on how many Representative players that are permitted in teams from Division 2 down.  If you have any question regarding these rules, or how they may apply to your team or players please do not hesitate to contact us.  We are always open to suggestions on improvements or tweaking of these rules, but they must be to everyone’s benefits, so if you have any idea’s please come and discuss them with us.

 Rep player is a person who has represented ANY Oztag competition at either of the 2022 or 2023 State Cups or the 2022/23 National Championships

Group/Age

Points

Male – 34 and under

1

Male – 35-39

½

Male – 40+

0

Female – 29 and under

1

Female – 30-35

½

Female 35+

0

 Age is determined by the players age at scheduled start date of the respective competition.

 

Tuesday Mixed and Thursday Men’s

Wednesday Mixed

Division

Points Limit

Division

Points Limit

Div 1/PremTag

Unlimited

1

4

2

6

2

2

3

5

3 and lower

1

4 and lower

3

 

 

 

  • These limits do not dictate where teams without Rep Players are graded. Just because a team is under a limit it does not mean they cannot be placed in a high grade.
  • Players selected in a Penrith 2nd or 3rd rep team DO NOT count towards the rep player total
  • Players who have only represented in a Junior Representative team DO NOT count towards the rep player total, but you must indicate if Junior Rep when registering.
  • You must indicate when registering if a player is a Rep Player. This means a Rep Player at ANY OZTAG  Any team found not identifying any rep players will be subject to sanctions as the committee decides, including re-grading of the team or withdrawal of the player/s in question.
How long does the competition go for?

While the competition is scheduled for 12 rounds, Penrith Oztag reserves the right to vary the length due to any circumstances that may arise.  Penrith Oztag is under no obligation to provide refunds if the competition length is shortened, or games cancelled, due to unforeseen circumstances such as field damage, weather events, or public health issues.

Do we need to provide ID?

Players who are Under 18 must provide PhotoID or proof of DOB before they play their first game.

For all players, Photo ID must be produced when checking in for finals or when requested by an official.  Photo ID is used to confirm name and date of birth details.

WHat happens if an unregistered player plays?

Do not play players who are not registered in your team. They are not covered by insurance, and if found your team will lose 6 points and the player, if registered at Penrith Oztag, will be suspended for 2 weeks from all teams.  Playing an unregistered player is not fair on all players, including the ones in your team, who have paid their registration fees.

If you are having issues with getting enough players, come and see us, we may be able to assist.

If an unregistered player is found playing, then the team organiser (if in attendance) or another player who is in attendance at the game (generally the person who bought the unregistered player) will be suspended for all matches for 2 weeks.

Do I have to sign in/check in for each game?
  • Players must check in every week to be covered by Oztag insurance and to qualify for the finals. Teams found playing people not registered in their team, or who have not paid all registration fee’s (without making arrangements with us), will lose 6 points, the player will also be suspended for 2 weeks from all games.  Repeat offences may see your team disqualified from the competition.  See above re unregistered players and penalties.
  • Players MUST CHECK IN before the end of HALF TIME. If you do not make it by the end of half time you will not be able to play that game.
Does Penrith Oztag loan out shorts?
  • No shorts will be loaned out.
  • All shorts & tights worn must be official Oztag garments or you cannot take the field.
Do we have to supply a ball for each game?

Penrith Oztag will supply the ball for each game. Failure to return it to the referee will see each team penalised 50% each for cost of ball.

What shirts do we have to wear?
  • All players must have the same team shirt, including a number, before they take the field. NO CHANGE SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE.
  • All players MUST have a number on their shirt that does not clash with any other player in their team. Players on the field without numbers will be asked to leave the field and fix the problem.  Taped on numbers are no longer acceptable as they fall off.
What happens if I forget my shirt?

There are penalties in place for players out of uniform after round 3 unless there is an acceptable reason.  An acceptable reason IS NOT:

  • I left mine at home.
  • I have multiple teams.
  • The dog ate it.
  • It’s in the car or another bag.

In the above cases if you require a shirt, you can purchase an ‘Association’ Shirt for $15.  This is the players to keep and is the only shirt that player can wear for that team.

Players out of uniform on the field will also be penalised 1 try per player out of uniform. This will be decided by the Competition Official in attendance (not the referee).

Players will be warned for Rounds 1-3 before rule is applied.

Consideration will be given where a team is unable to obtain single replacement shirts.  In these cases, the shirt MUST be the same colour as the main colour of normal shirt, must be numbered (different from others in the team) AND you must get clearance from the office BEFORE taking the field.

There will be no consideration given to teams/players coming up the office after a game raising issues with uniforms.  If you have concerns, you must raise them with our Competition Official (not the referee) during the game or at half time.  The decision of the Competition Official is final, any arguing or dissent shown towards the Competition Official regarding policing this rule will see additional penalties imposed on the player/team in question.

Work with us on improving this aspect of our game.  If you are having issues with shirts please come and see us, do not leave it and wait to be caught.  We will work with and show leniency towards genuine cases of difficulty regarding shirts, where players/teams have contacted us as soon as the issue arises.

Can my team have fill-in players if we are short?

Fill-in players permitted ARE NOT PERMITTED.  Due to continued abuse of the system and non-compliance by many teams only players REGISTERED IN A TEAM are permitted to play in that team.  If your team is short players unfortunately, you must play short.  The penalties for playing players either not registered at all, or registered but not in your team are as follows:

Offence Penalty
Playing Unregistered Players.
These are players not registered at Penrith Oztag in current competition.
  • 0 points for the game.
  • Loss of 6 points.
  • Organiser/captain or responsible player suspended for 2 weeks from all teams.
  • Opposition receives a draw for the game if they lost the game.

Playing player not registered in your team.

These are players registered at Penrith Oztag in current competition, but not in your team.

  • 0 points for the game.
  • Loss of 6 points.
  • Player suspended for 2 weeks from all teams.
  • Opposition receives a draw for the game if they lost the game.

Please note that the commitee may approve fill-in players in extrordinay circumstances.

Can we drink alcohol at the fields?

While alcohol is available for sale at the fields, players are encouraged not to consume alcohol before they play.  Any player who is injured in a game and is found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be covered by the insurance policy.

Players are not permitted to consume alcohol at any time during a game they are participating in.  This includes any time they may be off the field during the game or at half time of a game.  Players observed consuming alcohol during a game they are participating in will not be permitted to continue participating in that game.  It is the organisers/captain’s responsibility to ensure this rule is adhered to.  Teams and players that ignore this rule may be subject to suspensions.

How long does a game go for?

Standard game time is twenty (20) minutes per half with up to four (4) minutes for half time (these times though may be varied if the competition requires it).  An announcement will be given and then the next hooter will commence the game. Note the committee reserves the right to vary game times if require due to any unforeseen circumstances.

If a team does not have five (5) players on the field ready to play when the first hooter sounds, they will be given 5 minutes for extra players to arrive.  The team will give the opposition 3 tries for this delay.  The 3 tries applies regardless of whether the players arrive in 30 seconds or 4 minutes.  An announcement will be made at the 5-minute mark to indicate the wait time is up, the team MUST have at least 5 players on the field BEFORE this announcement so the game can commence.  There will be not further time given after the 5 minutes, which will be strictly adhered to.

In mixed games females are required to kick off (local rule).

What happens if we fall below 5 players during a game?

If a team falls below five (5) players due to injuries or sin bins they may continue the game.  If they choose not to continue, they will lose the game as a forfeit and receive nil (0) points.  If a team falls below five (5) players because of players dismissed for the remainder of the game the non-offending team shall be declared the winner.  The offending team will be given nil (0) points and the non-offending team will be given three (3) points and either a 5-0 win or the score at the cessation of the game, whichever is the greatest advantage to them. If the referee abandons a game the committee will decide the result.

What happens if our team walks off the field and abondons the game?

Any team that walks from the field of play before the referee has finished the game will be given a minimum one game team suspension, with the organiser and captain from the team to report to the committee room immediately after the walk off.  We would advise you to see an official immeadiately at the fields hsould you think your team is getting to a point where they want to stop the game.

Does Penrith Oztag provide First-Aid at the fields?

Penrith Oztag provides a first aid person to attend to injuries.  This treatment is limited to basic first aid only.  Please note the following:

  • If there is an injury in your game you must notify us, we cannot view all games and see all injuries. If you require treatment at your field get someone to come up to the committee room and we will attend.
  • If the first aid officer believes an ambulance is required, they will ASK the injured person if they would like an ambulance called. If they do not want an ambulance called, we generally will not call one as there is a cost for the ambulance that the player is liable for (only 50% is covered by the Oztag insurance).  The exception to this is if the first aid officer believes the player is suffering a life-threatening injury/illness.
  • All injuries must be reported to the medical person on the night of the Injury and the injury report form signed. Failure to do this will result in denied insurance claims.
What is the format of the Finals?

The finals series will be comprised of the top 4 teams playing off over a two-week period.

Semi Finals

  • SF1: 1 v 4
  • SF2: 2 v 3

Grand Finals

  • Winner SF1 v Winner SF2

Drawn games in finals (local rule)

If there are drawn games during semi or grand finals, then the following applies:

  • Extra time will start with 6 players from each team. (Mixed, 3 men/3 girls per team)
  • All starts of play in extra time will be by a tap kick (that is you do not kick off) at halfway.
  • If a team scores a try in the first possession of extra time, play will be restarted with a tap kick by the team that did not score the try at halfway. This team then has one possession during which they must score a try otherwise the opposition is declared the winner.
  • Each team must have at least one possession of the ball, after which first try wins.
  • A possession is defined as a set or six OR up until you lose possession in that set of six.
  • If there is no result after three minutes drop to 5 players per side. (Mixed, 2 men/3 girls)
  • Play will then continue until there is a result.
  • Teams have the right of reply if each continues scoring in consecutive sets.
How many games do I need to play to qualify for the finals?
  • To be eligible for finals series a player must have checked in for a minimum of FIVE (5) games.
  • Games where you are suspended or games where your team forfeits do not count for finals eligibility.
  • During Semi-finals & Grand Finals each player MUST show their Photo ID before they check in.
  • All players must check in before taking the field. Check in closes at half time.
What do we do if we need to forfiet a game?

Please notify us as soon as you are aware your team will need to forfiet.  Ideally it should be the team organiser who advises us of the forfeit.  You can call us on 0412448158, SMS to same number, email penrith@oztag.com.au or DM our Facebook page.  Once a team has advised they are forfeiting we are unable to change the decision.

  • Teams who forfeit a game without early notice (before 4pm) will lose three points and receive 0 points for the game Early notice, prior to 4pm on game day, will result in the 3-point penalty being waived.
  • Teams who forfeit three times during the season will have their position in the competition reviewed. Unless there are extenuating circumstances for the forfeits the team will be withdrawn from the competition with NO REFUNDS
  • Teams who repeatedly forfeit may be asked to lodge a bond if they return the following season, which will be forfeited if the team continue to forfeit games.
  • The non-offending team will be awarded a 5-0 win for a forfeit.
  • Teams who forfeit semi-finals will not be eligible for grand finals.

Teams who forfeit during the season will have their place in semi-finals assessed prior to the draw for semi-finals being finalised.  This will consider the performance of the team against the team they forfeited against and the impacts of the forfeits on the finals, especially in split divisions where forfeits may put a team in the bottom division whereas if they had not forfeited, they may have been in the top division.  A team’s position on the ladder may be adjusted for the semi-finals if they have forfeited and the committee believes the forfeit has had an adverse impact on the positions on the ladder.  The committee may also alter a team’s tries for/against if forfeits have an impact on their position on the ladder.

What are the fee's to play?
Player Registration $125
PREMTAG Player Registration $115
U/18 Player – (Must not turn 19 during the year the comp commences) $95
Late Registrations after Round 6

$85

$65 (U/18)

Am I covered by insurance when playing?
  • All players are advised to have PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE as the insurance coverage under the standard insurance is limited. Standard insurance does not cover loss of wages.
  • If you are under the influence of any alcohol/drugs/medication at time of injury – you are not insured and cannot claim insurance.
  • All claims carry an excess of $100.
  • For full insurance cover information, please click here.
  • Teams can purchase ‘Loss of Income Insurance’ for your team at a low cost of $110.00 (incl GST). This can only be done on a team basis not individual. Forms are available in the committee room.
How do I lodge an insurance claim?

To lodge a claim please click here.

What happens if I am sent off during a game?
  • A referee may send you for a P.O.T., the duration of which is at his discretion. You must take up a position behind your opponent’s goal line and hand your tags to the referee.
  • A second P.O.T. in the same game will incur an automatic two (2) game suspension. This suspension is not appealable.
  • Any player sent off for the remainder of the game will receive an automatic 2 game suspension and will be contacted by the Judiciary Chairman if further action is required.

Players incur suspension/POT points for infringements during the season.  A POT incurs a two (2) point penalty and suspensions incur whatever penalty the judiciary decides.  If a player accumulates 12 points in one competition, then they are AUTOMATICALLY suspended for eight (8) games.  These eight (8) games are in addition to any other suspension in place at the time.

What happens if I am suspended?

Suspensions may be given for a certain number of games OR for a certain number of weeks.  Any suspensions issued for week’s covers ALL games for teams the player is registered in.

  • Any suspended sentence handed out is in effect for the current season and the next season the player plays.
  • Suspended games do not count towards finals qualifications.
  • Forfeits by your team DO NOT count towards game suspensions, BYES and FORFEITS by the opposition DO.
What happens if there is any foul play during a game?
  • Any player that is involved in a fight will be sent off for remainder of game – NO EXCEPTIONS
  • Any player that throws a punch will be sent off for the remainder of a game– NO EXCEPTIONS
  • Any sledging and/or foul language will not be tolerated. There is to be no sledging of the opposition or your own team members under any circumstances. This is a major offence and will result in the player being sent off.
  • Any abuse of referee’s will be dealt with severely.
  • Player sent for a POT or remainder of the game is to HAND their tags to the referee.  Players sent off for a POT or remainder of the game cannot be replaced, you must play a player down.
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