HEALTH & SAFETY AT TAG EVENTS

INJURY PREVENTION

Tag is a non-contact sport, and our referees are trained to police clumsy, accidental, incidental and deliberate contact.  

As with any sport, injuries can occur when playing Tag. The risk of accidents though can be minimized by following these simple guidelines:

1. Tag Shorts
For health and safety reasons, all players in ITRA Leagues & Blitzes must wear Official Tag Shorts, which are available from OES-Europe.com. Official Tag Shorts do not have any pockets and so significantly reduce finger injuries caused by grabbing a tag. 

 

We have not allowed tag belts in our Leagues & Blitzes for over 10 years as players wearing belts have previously gotten their fingers caught in the shorts pocket / tshirt of those they are tackling, often damaging their fingers or thumbs. 

Shorts from all reputable suppliers are allowed in our events. 

2. Footwear
If you are buying new boots specifically for tag, we recommend you buy a pair of astro boots, as they can be worn on all types of surface, including water-based Astro, all weather, grass and even beach! 

If you are playing in a grass venue and it is raining, then moulded or rubber-studded boots are a good option as they will give you more grip and you won't be sliding around the place!

Runners are good all year round on Astro and All Weather Surfaces and on grass when it's dry but are not recommended in wet conditions, as you can easily slip and hurt yourself or another player.

3. Eye Protection
As with all sports, there can be some contact between players playing Tag. Therefore, for health and safety reasons, spectacles and sunglasses are not allowed while playing. If you need to wear corrective lenses, please wear either contact lenses or prescription polycarbonate goggles, which have been designed especially for sports use. All eye protection should fit securely and have cushions above your eyebrows and over your nose.

4. Jewellery
Players are not allowed to wear any jewellery - watches, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rubber wrist bands etc - during games, as it could injure the player or an opponent. If the referee spots a player wearing jewellery, they will be asked to leave the pitch immediately until it has been removed. This player cannot be substituted while off the pitch. 

If certain jewellery, such as wedding rings, bracelets etc, cannot be taken off, they should be taped up so that no part is free to move and no sharp or raised edges are exposed. 

Please note that rubber wrist bands are not allowed, as opponents may get their fingers caught while trying to tag the player.

5. Warming Up / Cooling Down
Please make sure that you and all members of your team do a proper warm up before and cool down after each match you play to reduce muscle strain etc. 

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OTHER ARRANGEMENTS

As every Tag player has different insurance needs, it is the decision and responsibility of each player to ensure they are adequately covered in accordance with their specific requirements when participating in our events. 

 

ITRA takes no responsibility for injuries that may occur and players are participating at their own risk.

 

Personal Accident Cover

Please make sure that both you and your team mates are adequately covered for any injury that may occur while playing Tag. ITRA strongly recommends that every player has their own Personal Accident Cover, which you can purchase from your local financial adviser.

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Player Registration

Before you play in an ITRA league or event, you and all of your team mates must register online. Your captain will be able to provide you with a link to register through. The process only takes 2 minutes. Players can even register at the pitchside on their phones but may not participate in a game prior to registering.

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By registering, you agree that ITRA is not liable for any personal injury or any other accident that may cause injury. In case of injury or illness, you are also giving your consent to emergency transportation and the administration of first aid and medical treatment. 

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Personal Property​

ITRA takes no responsibility for, and hereby, excludes liability to the fullest extent permitted by law, for any personal injury or loss or damage to any personal property sustained while playing Tag or while present at any ITRA venue.

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Third Parties

All players use the services of third party organisations at ITRA Events at their own risk.

 

Health Check Up​

ITRA recommends that all players, who have health-related concerns about taking part in an ITRA Event, visit their local GP for a health check-up before participating in the Event