Lesson 4 - Passing on Cue and Tag Protocol
Evasion to Strategy
•Year 3
•Tag Rugby
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How can we use passing to create space and score tries when under pressure?
Learning Objectives
- Improve passing skills when prompted by teammates or game situations
- Understand and apply tag protocol rules in game situations
- Demonstrate sportsmanlike behaviour in both attack and defence
Key Outcomes
- Students will pass accurately when prompted or tagged
- Students will follow correct tag protocol procedures
- Students will show respect and fair play throughout activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all belts have 2 tags attached securely
Alternative: Velcro strips, coloured scarves tucked in waistbands
Inflate to medium pressure for easier catching
Alternative: Foam rugby balls, size 3 footballs for easier handling
Mark try lines and playing area boundaries clearly
Alternative: Sports markers, rope boundaries
Distinguish attacking and defending teams clearly
Alternative: Team bands, different coloured tags
Key Vocabulary
The rules that must be followed when a player is tagged in tag rugby
Passing the ball when prompted by a signal, teammate call, or game situation
Passing the ball towards your own try line, which is legal in rugby
Playing fairly, respecting opponents, and following rules with a positive attitude
The line that players must cross to score points in rugby
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of try scoring concept
- Experience with tag removal games
Current Skills
- Passing on cue from teacher or teammates
- Following tag protocol procedures
- Applying sportsmanship in competitive situations
Next Steps
- Reading defensive patterns to create passing opportunities
- Advanced tag rugby tactics and positioning
- Leadership roles in team strategy
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tag protocol has three clear steps: stop, pass within 3 seconds, retrieve tag
- Passing on cue means immediate response to commands or game situations
- Backwards passing uses clock face analogy for easy understanding
- Sportsmanship includes polite tag return and encouraging teammates
- Safety requires gentle tag removal and controlled game intensity
- Teamwork develops through supporting tagged players with good positioning
- Game awareness improves through reading defensive patterns and creating space
Common Misconceptions
- Players think they can continue running after being tagged - reinforce immediate stop rule
- Confusion about backwards direction - use clock face and try line reference points
- Belief that any contact is allowed - emphasise tag removal only, no other contact
- Thinking all passes must go backwards - clarify that sideways and forward passes acceptable in practice
- Misunderstanding 3-second rule applies to all situations - explain it's only when tagged
- Assumption that fastest player should always carry ball - teach about teamwork and passing options
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks, use clear visual boundaries
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer balls, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual routine card, allow breaks if overwhelmed, use consistent language and structure
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and tags, provide verbal cues for all actions, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for commands, provide written rule cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Modify tag removal to hand touch, allow stationary passing positions, adjust distances as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting to 3 for passing time limit, understanding clockface directions for backwards passing, measuring distances
Science
Understanding forces in ball flight, reaction time in responding to cues, body systems during exercise
Geography
Directional awareness, spatial relationships, mapping movement patterns across playing area
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions under pressure, respect for opponents, leadership skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter for clear view of all activities, position near most challenging groups when needed
Observation Focus
Watch for rule compliance, sportsmanship, safety, and skill development progression
Intervention Points
Step in for unsafe play, rule clarification, technique correction, or conflict resolution
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique, model positive language and sportsmanship consistently
Verbal Cues
- •'Stop, pass, retrieve!' for tag protocol
- •'Look before you pass!' for accuracy
- •'Well done for fair play!' for sportsmanship
- •'Remember 3 seconds!' for timing
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for 4v2 games
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all tag belts for secure attachment and safe materials
- •Ensure rugby balls are appropriate size and inflation
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during games
- •Falls when changing direction quickly
- •Aggressive tag removal
- •Fatigue leading to poor decision-making
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear rules about gentle tag removal only
- •Regular rotation to prevent fatigue
- •Adequate spacing between activities
- •Controlled game intensity with teacher oversight
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all game areas
- •Monitor contact levels during tag removal
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid or seek medical support