Lesson 8 - Tournament Play
Confidence Through Skill Progression
•Year 3
•Dodgeball
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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
15 cones per court to mark clear boundaries for two playing areas
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, rope boundaries
Use 3 balls per game - different colours if available for easy identification
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for modified games
Pre-prepared with team names and match schedule for efficient recording
Alternative: Whiteboard, tablet app, student scorekeepers
Clear team identification essential for tournament organisation
Alternative: Coloured bands, house colours, numbered bibs
Key Vocabulary
A series of games where teams compete against each other to find a winner
Playing honestly and following rules even when no one is watching
A ball that has been thrown and hasn't touched the ground or another object
Showing respect for opponents and playing with good character
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
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