Get Involved

Our aim is to promote and develop the game of Touch throughout Ireland

president@

irelandtouchassociation.com

Garry Glenn (President)

353 868307392

353 1 2960546

Ireland Touch Association

18 College Park Way, Ballinteer, Dublin 16

The Ireland Touch Association (ITA) is the national body responsible for the development of the sport of Touch across Ireland

ITA is a full member of the Federation of International Touch (FIT).

ITA supports and coordinates leagues and competitions at all levels within Ireland and organises National squads to participate at World and European Level.

Get Involved in Touch

How do I improve?

We are told that “practice makes perfect” but if we practice the wrong things we will not improve. After taking up the sport, if you decide you would like to play at a higher level, we will be able to put you in contact with the experienced players and coaches. One of the great things about the Touch community is that experience international player and beginners get to play side-by-side. We also travel to tournaments throughout Europe during the season. You will be able to gain from the knowledge gained from competing at a higher level or just learning from more experienced playersand coaches.

If your whole team want to advance and play at one of these tournaments, go to the calendar page of this website for details. You can contact the tournament organiser directly or contact us. You can to check the expected standard, playing against the best can improve your game.

International Squads

The next step from these tournaments is representing your country. There is currently an International tournament every year available to European Nations. The World Cup is every 4 years, the next being in Australia 2015. The European Championships are every 2 years, the next being in Treviso, Italy 2012. In the years with no European championships or World Cup there is a Home Nations championship for the England, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands and Ireland.

If you are competing at the highest league in your area and/or are travelling to one-day tournaments, if you are considered good enough the likelihood is you will be invited to trial or train with the National team. Open trials are held annually and are announced on this website.

How do I get started?

If you are interested in playing locally in a Touch league or team in your area, contact us. We will be able to provide you with contact details if there is Touch being played in your area. If there is no Touch currently in your area, we will offer advice on how to set up a team, some simple to follow grids and drills for skill development and details of one-day or weekend tournaments in which you can compete.

If there is a Touch team in your area, you will find a willing group of people, happy to pass on their knowledge of the game to you.

The non-collision aspect of Touch allows men and women of all ages to play alongside and compete against each other. All you need is a ball and a pitch to play so putting a team together and practising is relatively easy. The pitch can be marked out with cones or the markings can be used on the field of a different sport (half a rugby pitch for example).

I've never played Touch. Is it hard to learn?

Touch is very simple to play. 2-3 games will see you master the basic skills and the more you play the better you will become. As long as you are keen to get involved you will develop the skills to enjoy yourself on the field.

How fit do I have to be to play?

People of all shapes, sizes, ages and fitness levels play in social and competitive leagues, you chose the level you wish to play. You'll find over the season your personal fitness levels will increase, Touch is a great way to exercise, improve cardio-vascular fitness and help to burn excess fat.

What do I need to play?

All you need to get started is a willingness to learn and have fun. You can start by simply getting some friends together, a set of the rules and a ball.

What does it cost to play?

Playing socially with your friends costs nothing, League costs vary throughout the country, but are not expensive compared to other sports.

How long are the games?

The international standard is 40 mins (2 x 20 mins).

How big is the field?

The international standard is 70m x 50m.

How many people play in a team?

Maximum 14 players per squad, 6 on the field at any one time with up to eight substitutes. who interchange at random. 10-12 players is a good number to allow for that much needed rest during the game.

What is the male/female ratio in a Mixed Team?

There is a minimum of 3 women and a maximum of 3 men on the field. How does the scoring work?

Single points are scored for each try scored in most competitive games although local competition rules may differ.

If I haven't played before, am I able to come down and just watch?

Of course! Feel free to come down to any of the venues and check out how the game is played. You'll find people are really friendly and happy to chat about the game to you. The sport is also renowned for its social appetite.

How far can I go with Touch?

If you have the skill and determination you can represent your country in International competitions, with the World Cup being the ultimate test.

Is there an international governing body?

For more information on the Federation of International Touch, visit http://www.international-touch.org/

The Ireland Touch Association promotes playing Touch at ALL levels from social Touch right up to international honours.

If you can’t find any information you need here, please contact page and we’ll be happy to help!