Making the tag!
A tag is simply the removal by a defender of one of the two ribbons. Defenders should tag from the side and not block the ball carrier's running line to avoid contact.

Defenders are only allowed to hold the tag ribbon and not any clothing or part of the body.

The defending player who makes the tag must hold the tag above their head and shout 'tag' for all to hear. Along with the rest of their team, the tagger must stand back on their own side allowing the attacker to pass.

Once tagged the player in possession must stop and pass the ball to a team-mate as soon as possible within three seconds. Even at full pace the ball carrier will be expected to stop in 3 strides. However the game is continuous and tagged players may pass within the act of stopping. Players are only allowed one step to score a try after being tagged.

After the pass has been made the defender must immediately give the tag back to the tackled player before rejoining the game - this must be placed back onto the belt or into the hand of the attacker, not thrown/dropped onto the floor.

If a tag is on the floor play will cease. No player can take any further part in the game without both tags properly in place on their belt or with tags in their hands.

Attackers are not allowed to prevent a tag being made by any means other than the ball carrier attempting to dodge potential taggers:

Fend Off - Ball carriers cannot shield/ hide their tags in any way. Defenders can not be pushed away using their hands, or the ball. Ball carriers should try to hold the ball in 2 hands especially when close to defenders so that they won't have a spare hand to do this.

Spinning - Ball carriers can not spin to avoid being tagged (no 360-degree turns).

Obstruction - Attackers can not get in the way of a defender attempting to make a tag on the ball carrier.