🎖️

Lesson 3 - Understanding Rules and Fair Play

Fair Play: Sharks & Fishes

•

Reception

•

Invasion Games

•

45 min

Big Question

Why do we need rules to make games fair and fun for everyone?

Learning Objectives

Understand why games have rules and the importance of following them
Experience the consequences of breaking game rules
Develop basic movement skills whilst playing fairly with others

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of game rules by following them consistently
Students will show respect for others by playing fairly and taking turns
Students will move confidently in different directions whilst avoiding collisions

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

15-20

One per 'fish' student, easily removable but secure

Alternative: Coloured scarves tucked into waistbands, coloured spots stuck to clothing

Sun Markers

6-8 pieces

Mark out coral reef safe zones - approximately 1m x 1m areas

Alternative: Cones, hoops, rope circles

Whistles

For clear start/stop signals

Alternative: Tambourine, bell, hand claps

Scorecards

3 (one per group)

For groups to track their scores visibly

Alternative: Large paper sheets, counting tokens

Key Vocabulary

Rules

Instructions that tell us how to play fairly and safely

Consequences

What happens when we don't follow the rules

Fair play

Playing honestly and being kind to others

Tag

To touch someone gently with your hand

Space

Empty areas where no one else is standing

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of taking turns
Simple running and stopping skills
Following one-step instructions

Current Skills

Understanding game rules and consequences
Moving into space to avoid others
Playing fairly and honestly

Next Steps

More complex game rules with multiple steps
Team tactics and cooperation
Self-officiating simple games

Milestone Indicators

Consistently follows rules without reminders

Shows empathy when others make mistakes

Demonstrates honesty in scoring and rule-following

Key Teaching Points

Rules exist to keep games fair and safe for everyone
Following rules shows respect for others and makes games more enjoyable
Consequences help us learn and remember important behaviours
Gentle tagging protects others from injury while keeping the game fun
Honest play and good sportsmanship are more important than winning
Taking turns and sharing spaces helps everyone participate equally
Moving with control and awareness prevents accidents and conflicts

Common Misconceptions

Rules are just to stop fun - explain how rules actually make games more enjoyable for everyone
Breaking rules only affects me - demonstrate how rule-breaking impacts others' enjoyment
Winning is most important - emphasise that fair play and effort matter more than results
Tagging means grabbing or pushing - teach that gentle touching is the appropriate technique
Rules in games don't matter in real life - connect game rules to everyday situations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break instructions into smaller chunks, provide fidget opportunities during discussions, celebrate movement and energy positively

dyspraxia

Demonstrate all movements multiple times, allow extra processing time, provide physical guidance for tagging technique, simplify complex instructions

autism spectrum

Provide visual rule cards, maintain consistent routines, offer quiet space if needed, use clear structure and warnings for transitions

visual impairment

Use contrasting colours for boundaries and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of spatial layout, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Use visual signals alongside whistle, demonstrate all instructions clearly, ensure child can see teacher's face when speaking

physical disability

Modify tagging to gentle high-five, allow seated participation where appropriate, adjust star jumps to arm movements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting star jumps, keeping score, timing in coral reefs, comparing group totals

Science

Understanding consequences (cause and effect), observing movement patterns, body awareness during exercise

PSHE

Fairness and justice, empathy for others, personal responsibility, dealing with disappointment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all three group areas, move actively during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for gentle tagging, rule compliance, fair play demonstrations, and inclusive behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe tagging, provide rule reminders as needed, celebrate positive examples

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, model enthusiasm for rule-following, show empathy in interactions

Verbal Cues

•'Gentle touches only!'
•'Remember to give the tag back immediately!'
•'Let's count those star jumps together!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Indoor hall minimum 15m x 10m or outdoor space equivalent, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from debris, adequate grip for movement changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tag belts fitted securely but not tightly
•Coral reef markers flush with ground to prevent tripping
•No sharp edges on any equipment

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during enthusiastic chasing
•Rough tagging leading to falls
•Overexertion during star jumps

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and reinforced
•Emphasis on gentle tagging throughout
•Monitor activity levels and provide rest as needed
•Separate group areas to reduce collision risk

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all three group areas
•Move actively between groups during activities
•Watch for signs of overexcitement or fatigue

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately with whistle, assess situation, apply first aid if needed, contact school procedures