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The game itself had very humble beginnings, being initially developed in Australia in the 1960s as a training tool for rugby league teams.
At the outset Touch was never seen as a sport in its own right however, as more and more people looked for a safe sociable game to play participation levels increased. The minimal degree of contact and simplicity of the game made it an ideal activity to be played by men, women and children of all ages and skill levels – whether as a recreational sport to improve activity levels and flexibility, or played as a competitive sport.
"A huge success story from its inception, Touch has rapidly developed into the perfect combination of social compatibility and competitive opportunity."
The first official game of touch was held in the traditionally strong rugby league area of South Sydney in 1968. The game quickly developed within Australia, New Zealand the surrounding Islands, culminating in the formation of the Federation of International Touch (FIT) in 1985, by the founder member nations Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Fiji.
At about this time the sports name was officially changed from ‘Touch Football’ to ‘Touch’ though to many the sport is known as ‘Touch Rugby’.
Recently moves have been made to re-brand the sport and return to ‘Touch Football’ in an effort to clarify that it is a ‘sport with a ball.’ Whilst kicking is not a feature of the game, the term ‘Touch Rugby’ is often avoided as it conjures images of a sport of a hard physical nature, which is far from the truth.
The formation of the FIT has promoted phenomenal international growth in participation, spectator interest and awareness over the past 20 years. This ranges from increased participation in established countries in the southern hemisphere to the introduction of the sport to a whole host of nations throughout the world.
Today the FIT consists of 30 nations and Touch is played in over 60 countries around the world. This ranges from countries such as New Zealand (306,000 registered players) and Australia (500,000 registered players) to Tokelau (total population 1,400).
Touch is now the largest participation sport in Australia and New Zealand. It is integral in the Primary and Secondary School systems such that it takes precedence over any other sport in the school system.
The major event on the FIT calendar is the World Cup of Touch which is staged every four years. Other events staged, or assisted, by the Federation consist of The European Touch Championships, the Youth World Cup and the World Schools Championship.
Development throughout the world is mainly funded and resourced by the major member nations Australia and New Zealand.
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