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Lesson 8 - Officiating in Athletics

Speed, Power & Fair Play

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Year 3

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

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

Basketball

Check inflation and distribute to push throw station

Alternative: Medicine balls, weighted balls for push throw practice

Balls

Place at pull throw station with distance markers

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for throwing practice

Cones

Use to mark distances, boundaries and station areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines for distance marking

Relay Baton

1 per group

Check batons are smooth and safe for passing

Alternative: Rolled towels, cardboard tubes if batons unavailable

Mats

Position securely to prevent slipping during jumps

Alternative: Low cones, painted lines for jumping over

Stopwatch

1 per station

Test timing accuracy before lesson begins

Alternative: Mobile phone timer, countdown apps

Cards

Place clearly visible next to each station setup

Alternative: Verbal instructions if cards unavailable

Key Vocabulary

Relay baton

A smooth stick passed between team members in relay races

Changeover

The moment when the baton is passed from one runner to the next

Sprint technique

Running at maximum speed with proper form and efficiency

Take-off

The moment when both feet leave the ground in jumping

Officiating

Supervising and judging sporting events to ensure fair play

Personal best

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

Consistent sprint technique over 20m distance

Controlled jumping with safe landing technique

Smooth relay changeovers without dropping baton

Accurate officiating with attention to detail

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