🤾

Lesson 8 - Tournament Play

Confidence Through Skill Progression

•

Year 3

•

Dodgeball

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we use rules and teamwork to create fair and exciting competition for everyone?

Learning Objectives

To understand and apply the rules of dodgeball in tournament play
To demonstrate fair play and honesty throughout competitive games
To work collaboratively within a team while displaying positive character traits

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully participate in a structured tournament format
Students will demonstrate understanding of dodgeball rules through accurate self-officiating
Students will show positive behaviour and sportsmanship regardless of results

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

15 cones per court to mark clear boundaries for two playing areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, rope boundaries

Dodgeball

10 (3 per game, plus spares)

Use 3 balls per game - different colours if available for easy identification

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for modified games

Score Sheets

1 master sheet

Pre-prepared with team names and match schedule for efficient recording

Alternative: Whiteboard, tablet app, student scorekeepers

Team bibs

4 sets of different colours

Clear team identification essential for tournament organisation

Alternative: Coloured bands, house colours, numbered bibs

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A series of games where teams compete against each other to find a winner

Fair play

Playing honestly and following rules even when no one is watching

Live ball

A ball that has been thrown and hasn't touched the ground or another object

Sportsmanship

Showing respect for opponents and playing with good character

Tournament bracket

The organised structure showing which teams play against each other

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can throw and catch balls with reasonable accuracy
Students understand basic dodgeball rules from previous lessons
Students can work in small teams cooperatively

Current Skills

Applying rules consistently in competitive situations
Demonstrating honesty and fair play under pressure
Working as part of a tournament team structure

Next Steps

Developing tactical awareness in invasion games
Taking on leadership roles in team sports
Applying fair play principles across different sports

Milestone Indicators

Self-officiating without disputes

Maintaining positive attitude when losing

Recognising and celebrating others' achievements

Key Teaching Points

Character development is equally important as winning in competition
Rules exist to ensure fairness and safety for all participants
Honest self-officiating builds trust and improves games
Positive team support helps everyone perform their best
Tournament pressure reveals and develops true character
Sportsmanship should be consistent regardless of results
Recognition of others' achievements builds community spirit

Common Misconceptions

Winning is the only measure of success in tournaments
Rules can be bent when the teacher isn't watching
Good character only matters when you're losing
Only the best players contribute to team success
Competition naturally brings out negative behaviour

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter game periods if needed, provide clear role definitions, offer movement breaks between games

dyspraxia

Use larger, slower balls, reduce court size, allow extra practice time with rules

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament structure in advance, offer quiet zone for breaks, maintain predictable routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide audio cues for game status, assign sighted buddy

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game start/stop, ensure clear sight lines to teacher demonstrations

physical disability

Allow seated play option, modify court size, use lighter balls if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in team discussions, vocabulary development with tournament terms

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating points totals, time management with 5-minute games

Science

Understanding body responses to competitive exercise, heart rate changes during competition

PSHE

Character development, teamwork, resilience under pressure, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between two courts for optimal visibility of all games and behaviour

Observation Focus

Monitor rule compliance, character development, and competitive behaviour balance

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety issues, guide character moments, support struggling teams

Demonstration Notes

Model positive sportsmanship, demonstrate rules clearly, show enthusiasm for character development

Verbal Cues

•'Show me championship character!'
•'Below shoulders only!'
•'Honest players make honest calls!'
•'Support your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum two courts 15m x 8m each, clear of obstacles, 3m safety margin around courts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check dodgeballs are properly inflated and safe condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts above shoulder height
•Collisions between players during intense competition
•Overexertion during competitive tournament play
•Conflicts arising from competitive pressure

Risk Mitigation

•Strictly enforce below-shoulder hitting rule
•Maintain clear court boundaries with adequate spacing
•Monitor for signs of fatigue and overheating
•Emphasise character development to prevent conflicts
•Ensure proper warm-up before competitive play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe both courts simultaneously
•Monitor compliance with below-shoulder rule
•Watch for signs of negative competitive behaviour
•Be ready to intervene in disputes quickly

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, follow school emergency protocols