Oztag

Oztag is a popular non-tackling team sport for children and teenagers in the Sutherland Shire. Local competitions are available from Under 6 through to Under 18 at Cronulla, Heathcote, Kareela and Menai.

Games are generally played on weekday afternoons during the warmer months. The playing day depends on the child’s age group, gender and chosen location, so families should compare the four competition areas before registering.

What the sport is

Oztag is a modified form of rugby league in which players remove a fabric tag from an opponent’s shorts or tights instead of tackling.

The game develops running, passing, catching, evasion, tagging, spatial awareness and teamwork. Eight players from each team take the field, with games generally consisting of two 20-minute halves and a short half-time break.

Oztag is non-tackling, but it remains a fast outdoor sport involving running, changes of direction and competition for the ball.

Junior Oztag locations and playing days

Cronulla

Competitions use Captain Cook Oval, Solander Fields, Jenola Fields and Woolooware High School.

Monday: boys’ and girls’ Under 6 to Under 14
Tuesday: boys’ and girls’ Under 16
Friday: mixed Under 16 and Under 18

This location may suit families around Cronulla, Woolooware, Caringbah, Burraneer and Kurnell.

Heathcote

Competitions are played at Heathcote Oval.

Monday: boys’ and girls’ Under 6 to Under 10
Tuesday: boys’ Under 12 and girls’ Under 12 and Under 14
Wednesday: boys’ Under 14 and Under 16 and girls’ Under 16

This location may suit families around Heathcote, Engadine, Waterfall and Yarrawarrah.

Kareela

Competitions use fields at Kareela, Box Road, Corea Oval and AR Hurst Reserve.

Tuesday: girls’ Under 6 to Under 16
Wednesday: boys’ Under 6 to Under 16

This location may suit families around Kareela, Sylvania, Oyster Bay, Jannali, Kirrawee and Gymea.

Menai

Competitions are played on Thursdays at The Ridge Sporting Complex in Barden Ridge.

Thursday: boys’ and girls’ Under 6 to Under 16

This location may suit families around Menai, Barden Ridge, Bangor, Illawong, Alfords Point and Woronora.

Competition days, fields and times may change, so always confirm the latest information before registering.

2026/27 season dates

Registrations for the 2026/27 Sutherland Shire Junior Oztag season are scheduled to open on Friday 21 August 2026.

The first rounds are currently scheduled for:

• Cronulla Friday competitions: 9 October 2026
• Cronulla Monday and Tuesday competitions: 19 and 20 October
• Heathcote: 19 to 21 October
• Kareela: 20 and 21 October
• Menai: 22 October

Most games are played between approximately 4.00 pm and 7.00 pm. Exact times and fields will appear in the official draw and may change during the season.

Registration costs and uniforms

The advertised 2026/27 registration cost is approximately $125 per player, including the association fee, GST and platform processing fees.

Players must also hold a current Australian Oztag annual membership. If required, the current $15 membership is added during registration.

Players need:

• a matching team shirt with a visible number
• official Oztag shorts or tights

Official shorts and tights are currently advertised at $30 per pair. Families should confirm all prices before registering because fees may change.

Joining a team or registering individually

A team delegate usually creates the team online and provides each player with a team code. Players then use that code to complete their registration.

Teams require at least eight fully registered and paid players, although most have approximately 10 to 12 players to allow for substitutes.

Children without a team can request individual placement. Families will generally need to provide:

• their preferred competition area
• the player’s name and date of birth
• parent or guardian contact details
• the names of any friends they would like to play with

Individual placement is subject to availability.

Beginners, representative Oztag and refereeing

Previous Oztag or rugby experience is not required.

Beginner clinics are generally offered during the Term 3 school holidays to help players develop passing, catching, tagging, evasion, defence and game-awareness skills.

Eligible players can also trial to represent Cronulla, Heathcote, Kareela or Menai at events including the Junior State Cup. Children aged 13 and over may be able to join the referee development program.

Wet weather and cancellations

Oztag is played outdoors on grass fields, so games can be affected by rain and field closures.

Wet-weather updates are generally sent to team delegates and published through official Oztag channels. Families should check for updates before leaving home, particularly after heavy rain.

Why families choose Oztag locally

Oztag can suit children who enjoy football-style games but do not want to play a tackling code. It combines fitness, ball skills, teamwork and competition without requiring previous rugby experience.

Families may also choose Oztag because:

• competitions are available across four parts of the Sutherland Shire
• games are played on weekday afternoons
• children compete in age-based divisions
• team training is optional
• beginner clinics and representative pathways may be available
• children can join with a team or request individual placement

Individual placement depends on available spaces and cannot be guaranteed.

Who Oztag suits best

Oztag may suit children and teenagers who:

• enjoy fast-running team sports
• want a non-tackling football option
• like passing, catching and evasive movement
• prefer playing on a weekday afternoon
• want to play socially with friends
• are interested in representative opportunities
• want an additional summer sport alongside another football code

Use the listings below to compare junior Oztag options in Cronulla, Heathcote, Kareela and Menai, then visit the official competition website for current registration information.