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Lesson 8 - Tournament Play & Rules

Foundational Skills & Challenges

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Year 3

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can we apply everything we've learned about football to compete fairly and successfully in a tournament?

Learning Objectives

Apply the rules and tactics learned to play in a football tournament
Demonstrate good sportsmanship and fair play throughout competition
Work collaboratively within teams to achieve common goals

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully participate in a structured football tournament
Students will apply tactical knowledge in competitive game situations
Students will demonstrate respect for opponents, teammates, and referees

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Use to mark goal posts (4m wide) and pitch boundaries

Alternative: Markers, corner flags, or playground equipment

Softballs

3 (minimum 1 per pitch)

One ball per active pitch, spares for quick restarts

Alternative: Size 3 balls for better control, or playground balls

Team bibs

30 (enough for all students)

Distribute before tournament starts for easy team identification

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or arm bands

Score Sheets

1 (either 4-team or 6-team version)

Keep centrally located for easy access and updates

Alternative: Whiteboard for scores, or student score keepers

Stopwatch

Use for match timing and transition management

Alternative: Phone timer or classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition where teams play multiple matches to determine winners

Referee

The person who enforces the rules and makes decisions during a match

Tactics

Planned strategies and formations used by teams to be successful

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly, respecting opponents, and accepting results gracefully

Fair Play

Following rules honestly and treating all players with respect

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic football skills including passing, dribbling, and shooting
Understanding of fundamental rules and positions
Experience with small-sided games and teamwork

Current Skills

Applying rules in competitive tournament format
Using tactical awareness in match situations
Demonstrating leadership and sportsmanship under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations and strategies
Officiating and leadership responsibilities
Cross-curricular applications of teamwork skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rule application without teacher prompts

Natural tactical discussions between teammates

Positive interactions with opponents and officials

Key Teaching Points

Tournament success includes character development alongside skill application
Referee decisions must be respected at all times - this builds real-world respect for authority
Tactical discussions between matches enhance learning and team development
Sportsmanship under competitive pressure reveals true character
Recognition of others' positive qualities builds empathy and social awareness
Leadership opportunities through captaincy and refereeing develop confidence
Applying previous learning in pressure situations consolidates skill development

Common Misconceptions

Winning is the only measure of success - emphasise character and effort recognition
Referee decisions can be argued - establish that decisions are final and must be respected
Tactics are too complex for Year 3 - use simple concepts they can understand and apply
Competition always creates negative behaviour - model and reward positive competitive spirit
Only the best players should be captains - leadership comes in many forms
Losing teams have failed - celebrate effort, improvement, and positive attitude

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter match duration with frequent breaks, clear role definitions, immediate positive reinforcement for good behaviour

dyspraxia

Simplified tactical roles, additional practice time with rules, larger equipment for better control, patient referee support

autism spectrum

Provide tournament schedule in advance, create quiet zones for breaks, use visual social stories for sportsmanship

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones and balls, provide verbal commentary of match action, assign sighted buddy for referee support

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for match start/stop, written tactical discussion sheets, clear visual referee signals

physical disability

Modify goals and pitch size as needed, consider wheelchair football adaptations, ensure inclusive team roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during tactical discussions, articulating reflection responses, vocabulary development

Maths

Scorekeeping, time management, understanding tournament fixtures and rotations

Science

Understanding body responses to exercise, heart rate during competition, recovery importance

PSHE

Leadership responsibilities, teamwork under pressure, respect for others, managing emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all pitches, mobile between games

Observation Focus

Balance between skill application, tactical understanding, and character development

Intervention Points

["Step in immediately for unsporting behaviour", "Support struggling referees without undermining authority", "Mediate disputes quickly and fairly", "Adjust match length based on group energy and engagement"]

Demonstration Notes

Model positive language, demonstrate proper handshakes, show tactical concepts with cones when needed

Verbal Cues

•'Respect the referee's decision!'
•'Great tactical thinking!'
•'Show me that character!'
•'Support your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor space or sports hall, minimum 40m x 30m for multiple pitches

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from debris, adequate grip for running and turning

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones are stable and visible
•Verify team bibs are clean and appropriately sized

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive matches
•Fatigue leading to poor decision-making or injuries
•Emotional responses to competitive pressure
•Disputes over referee decisions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear pitch boundaries with adequate space between games
•Regular rotation and rest periods between matches
•Strong emphasis on sportsmanship and respect
•Teacher supervision of referee decisions when needed
•Immediate intervention for any unsafe play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all active pitches
•Monitor energy levels and competitive intensity
•Support student referees with difficult decisions
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop all matches immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate care, modify activity if needed