by admin | Feb 25, 2026 | Uncategorized
Australian Oztag has released an official statement regarding an incident that occurred during a NSW State Cup Boys 17s match between Wollongong and Port Macquarie.
The statement outlines the findings of an initial investigation, the disciplinary actions being imposed, and Australian Oztag’s ongoing commitment to player welfare, safety and the values of respect and sportsmanship.
Read the full official statement from Australian Oztag: OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Australian Oztag has zero tolerance for conduct that places participants at risk and remains committed to ensuring a safe, positive and respectful environment across all competitions.
by admin | Feb 11, 2026 | Latest News
Ross Thomas is widely regarded as a legend of the game, and once again he has shown why, continuing to give back to Oztag in ways that go well beyond what is expected.
While all coaches commit significant time and energy to preparing their teams, what Ross has done for his Australian Tagaroos Women’s 47s team stands out as truly special.
With the Women’s 47s squad split between New South Wales and Queensland, Ross refused to let geography become a barrier to preparation. Instead, he adapted, planned, and quite literally went the extra mile to ensure every athlete received the same level of attention and opportunity.
On Sunday, February 1, Ross, who is based in Kiama, made the trip to the Central Coast to run a training session for the NSW-based members of the squad. But the journey didn’t stop there.
The following day, Ross continued north of the border to deliver training for the Queensland-based players, ensuring the entire team was prepared, connected and aligned ahead of upcoming commitments.
Queensland-based team member Lisa Jovaisa spoke about the impact of Ross’ dedication:
“Ross’s commitment and investment to the team is unquestionable. Travelling from Wollongong, holding a session on the Central Coast for the southern players and then continuing all the way to the Gold Coast for a training run with the northern NSW/QLD players, Ross made it very clear that connecting with and supporting his players is something that he truly values.”
She also highlighted the experience Ross brings to the role:
“His passion for the game is undeniable, having represented Australia as a player many times himself.”
Ross’ efforts are a reminder of the people who underpin the success of Oztag at every level. Coaches like Ross don’t just prepare teams they build environments where players feel valued, supported and inspired.
Australian Oztag acknowledges and thanks Ross Thomas for his outstanding commitment to the Tagaroos Women’s 47s, and for continuing to set the standard for what giving back to the game truly looks like.
by admin | Feb 3, 2026 | Latest News
Whether you’re chasing your first tag or your next championship, Northern Beaches Oztag is your home for fun, fast-paced and inclusive competition. As the official Oztag competition on the Northern Beaches, we offer year-round junior and senior competitions for all ages and skill levels. With a strong focus on teamwork, development and community, there’s a place for everyone on the field — so get involved, stay active, and join the tag family.
The 2025 Northern Beaches Oztag season marked another strong year for the association, highlighted by major growth and milestone achievements. The club competed at the NSW State Championships for the first time, fielding five junior teams and four senior teams. With Winter and Summer competitions growing by over 100%, the depth of talent across all age groups increased significantly, leading to our debut at the Australian Championships with five junior teams and one senior team. This campaign was a standout success, with four of the six teams progressing to finals in their respective divisions.
2026 marks the Year of the Ducks! Following a full club rebrand, the Ducks identity represents resilience, unity and the proud Northern Beaches community — teams that stay together, work hard and rise when it matters most. In February and March, Northern Beaches Oztag will take its largest-ever representative contingent to the NSW State Championships, fielding 10 teams across Junior, Junior Mixed and Senior divisions, setting the stage for an exciting and ambitious year ahead. QUACK QUACK
For more information on upcoming competitions, registration details, and everything Northern Beaches Oztag, please click the link above to visit our website.
NOTE: Get Tagged (Manly Eagle Tag) is not affiliated with Oztag and are not allowed to play the rules of Oztag. Any player not participating in an official Oztag competition will not be able to play in any representative tournaments of Oztag i.e. State Cup, Nationals, Interstate Series or World Cup
by admin | Feb 2, 2026 | Latest News
Movement Five is a disability support service where like-minded individuals on the NDIS come together to connect, form a community all while working towards their NDIS goals. What began as a search for a social sporting outlet has grown into something far more meaningful, a place of belonging, confidence and community through Oztag.
Owned and operated by Kaela and James Asquith, Movement Five entered a social team into Kiama Oztag a couple years ago. After seeing the overwhelmingly positive response from both clients and staff, they haven’t looked back.
Why Oztag
For Kaela, the decision to choose Oztag, and Kiama specifically, was an easy one.
“I think Oztag as a sport, and especially Kiama Oztag, have created such a great social and welcoming environment that when we looked to enter a team into a social sport, we knew it had to be Oztag,” Kaela said.
She explained that while many Movement Five clients played team sports growing up, opportunities often become limited once they reach adulthood.
“A lot of our young adult clients played sport growing up in teams, but when they move into adulthood their options are often limited to disability-specific programs. Many of our clients are so capable, and having them play in a social team with us brings so much camaraderie and bond between us all.”
More Than Just a Game
Movement Five quickly saw the broader benefits that Oztag could offer, not only physically, but socially and mentally. Being part of a team environment has helped clients build confidence, stay active, and form meaningful connections both on and off the field.
The camaraderie between clients and staff has been one of the most powerful outcomes, something co-owner James Asquith has seen firsthand.
“The clients have really bought in. It’s something for them to look forward to each week, and the chat from the games seems to linger right through the week, whether it’s stories about tries they should have scored or the banter about who’s missing tags.”
Movement Five has recognised that once people with disabilities finish high school, there are fewer opportunities to be involved in mainstream team sports. Associations like Kiama Oztag have helped fill that gap, offering an inclusive environment where players feel valued, challenged and supported.
Australian Oztag is proud that Kiama Oztag continues to provide a space where everyone can participate and feel part of the wider sporting community.
Giving Back on Game Day
The Movement Five team’s impact extends beyond taking the field.
Twice a week, Movement Five clients, alongside a staff member, assist Kiama Oztag in running game day operations. From helping at the sign-in desk and directing teams to the correct fields, to checking referees are present and sounding the siren for games, they are there every week greeting players and supporting the smooth running of the competition.
Their involvement has become a valued part of game day at Kiama, reinforcing the sense of community and shared ownership across the competition.
Kiama Oztag Association Manager Kieron Duncan shared how much the Movement Five team has meant to the competition.
“Having the Movement Five team in our competition brings so much happiness to all of us involved including the referees, opposition and of course the team itself,” Duncan said.
“Watching the team compete each week while reaching personal milestones is incredibly rewarding. They bring so much energy and encouragement to each other every week, and so much enjoyment to everyone involved.”
Milestones, Memories and Tries
For the players themselves, it’s about teamwork, enjoyment and of course, scoring tries.
Client Adam summed it up simply, saying he loves the teamwork and crossing the line. And judging by the numbers, he’s doing just that, with close to 20 tries scored in the most recent season, he’s become a familiar name on the scoresheet.
The Movement Five team at Kiama Oztag is about more than wins and losses. It’s about connection, confidence, laughter, and shared experiences. It’s a reminder of the power sport has to bring people together and the difference inclusive competitions can make.
Australian Oztag congratulates Movement Five, Kiama Oztag, and everyone involved for showing what community sport is truly about.
by admin | Jan 27, 2026 | Latest News
Over the past four years, Queensland Oztag has continued to invest strongly in referee development, sending 20 junior referees each year to New Zealand to officiate at their Junior Nationals tournament.
The initiative has provided young referees with invaluable international experience, exposing them to high-level competition, different playing styles, and the responsibilities that come with officiating on a bigger stage.
A Landmark Moment in 2025
In 2025, the program reached a significant milestone with the selection of an all-girls junior referee squad. A total of 20 female referees, all aged between 15 and 18, travelled to New Zealand, supported by three experienced female adult referees who acted as supervisors and mentors throughout the tour.
All referees were based on the Gold Coast, representing Tweed Coast, Miami, Labrador and Coomera Oztag, and officiated across the 13s to 16s divisions at the tournament.
The tour marked a powerful step forward for female representation in officiating, providing young women with meaningful opportunities to lead, grow, and represent Queensland Oztag on an international stage.
The tour was funded by the referees, who worked together to raise the necessary funds through fundraising initiatives and by volunteering in the canteen at Labrador Oztag. Their efforts highlighted not only their passion for officiating, but their willingness to invest in their own development, a testament to the dedication and professionalism already being shown at such a young age.
Building the Future of Officiating
Programs like this are vital to the long-term strength of Oztag. By creating opportunities for junior referees, particularly young women, Queensland Oztag continues to build a sustainable, inclusive and high-quality officiating pathway.
Australian Oztag congratulates all referees involved, along with the associations that supported them, for setting a standard that will inspire the next generation of officials across the country.
