Lesson 8 - Officiating in Athletics
Speed, Power & Fair Play
•Year 3
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we become skilled athletes and fair officials in track and field events?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate officiating skills including timing, measuring and counting
- To perform athletics skills with improved technique and consistency
- To demonstrate fair play and supportive behaviour when competing and officiating
Key Outcomes
- Students will officiate athletics events accurately and fairly
- Students will perform sprinting, jumping and throwing with improved technique
- Students will support teammates and opponents with encouragement and technical advice
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation and distribute to push throw station
Alternative: Medicine balls, weighted balls for push throw practice
Place at pull throw station with distance markers
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for throwing practice
Use to mark distances, boundaries and station areas
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines for distance marking
Check batons are smooth and safe for passing
Alternative: Rolled towels, cardboard tubes if batons unavailable
Position securely to prevent slipping during jumps
Alternative: Low cones, painted lines for jumping over
Test timing accuracy before lesson begins
Alternative: Mobile phone timer, countdown apps
Place clearly visible next to each station setup
Alternative: Verbal instructions if cards unavailable
Key Vocabulary
A smooth stick passed between team members in relay races
The moment when the baton is passed from one runner to the next
Running at maximum speed with proper form and efficiency
The moment when both feet leave the ground in jumping
Supervising and judging sporting events to ensure fair play
An individual's best ever performance in a specific event
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running, jumping and throwing movements
- Understanding of taking turns and following instructions
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Sprint technique with proper foot strike and arm action
- Long jump approach with controlled take-off
- Relay baton handling and changeover technique
- Officiating skills including counting, timing and measuring
Next Steps
- Advanced sprint starts and acceleration
- Multi-directional jumping and landing
- Complex throwing techniques with rotation
- Leadership in organising athletic competitions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise dual roles - every student is both performer and official
- Focus on technique quality over competitive performance
- Use athletics vocabulary consistently throughout lesson
- Connect all movements to proper athletics technique
- Celebrate improvement and effort equally with achievement
- Ensure fair and accurate officiating in all activities
- Maintain high energy and positive encouragement throughout
Common Misconceptions
- Officials are less important than performers - emphasise equal value of both roles
- Faster is always better - focus on technique and control first
- Athletics is only about individual performance - highlight teamwork and support
- Officiating is easy - demonstrate the skill and concentration required
- Some events are more important than others - value all athletics disciplines equally
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity intervals if needed, provide clear structure with frequent feedback, offer movement breaks between stations
dyspraxia
- Break down movements into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, use larger equipment for improved success
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of station rotations, offer noise-reducing headphones during busy periods, establish quiet rest area if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured cones and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of distances and measurements, assign sighted partners for officiating support
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for timing, provide written instruction cards at stations, use hand signals for communication
physical disability
- Adapt distances and heights for individual needs, provide alternative throwing implements, allow seated participation in appropriate events
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Using sports vocabulary accurately, following and giving clear instructions, communicating technique advice
Maths
Measuring distances and recording data, timing intervals with stopwatches, counting and comparing performances
Science
Understanding forces in jumping and throwing, learning about body systems during exercise, friction and movement
PSHE
Fair play and respect, supporting others, taking responsibility as officials, celebrating diverse strengths
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with ability to see all six stations, move between groups as needed for support
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique application, fair officiating, positive peer interactions, and safety compliance
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe technique observed, officiating disputes arise, or students need technique guidance
Demonstration Notes
Use students to demonstrate good technique, show officiating procedures clearly, emphasise safety requirements
Verbal Cues
- •'Two feet together!'
- •'Big strides, pocket to mouth!'
- •'Bend those knees!'
- •'Officials ready?'
- •'Support your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m or indoor hall with ceiling height 4m+
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check basketballs are properly inflated and not damaged
- •Ensure relay batons are smooth with no splinters or sharp edges
- •Verify speed bounce mats are secure and won't slip
- •Test stopwatch functionality before lesson begins
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during relay changeovers and sprint activities
- •Slips and falls during jumping and landing
- •Impact injuries from thrown balls or beanbags
- •Overexertion during high-intensity activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all throwing activities
- •Adequate spacing between stations (minimum 5m)
- •Controlled group sizes with defined performer/official roles
- •Progressive warm-up targeting athletics movements
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position centrally for visibility of all stations
- •Monitor throwing activities continuously for safety
- •Check students are following technique guidelines
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting performance
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain safe and calm