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Lesson 4 - Passing on Cue and Tag Protocol

Evasion to Strategy

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Year 3

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Tag Rugby

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tag Rugby Equipment

1 per student (30)

Check all belts have 2 tags attached securely

Alternative: Velcro strips, coloured scarves tucked in waistbands

Rugby Balls

8-10 balls

Inflate to medium pressure for easier catching

Alternative: Foam rugby balls, size 3 footballs for easier handling

Cones

12 cones

Mark try lines and playing area boundaries clearly

Alternative: Sports markers, rope boundaries

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (2 colours)

Distinguish attacking and defending teams clearly

Alternative: Team bands, different coloured tags

Key Vocabulary

Tag protocol

The rules that must be followed when a player is tagged in tag rugby

Passing on cue

Passing the ball when prompted by a signal, teammate call, or game situation

Backwards pass

Passing the ball towards your own try line, which is legal in rugby

Sportsmanlike behaviour

Playing fairly, respecting opponents, and following rules with a positive attitude

Try line

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

Passes within 3 seconds of being tagged

Demonstrates backwards passing when appropriate

Shows consistent sportsmanlike behaviour

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