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Lesson 4 - Forward Pass and Offside Rules

Tag Rugby Basics

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Year 3

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How do rugby rules help teams work together fairly and safely?

Learning Objectives

To understand and apply the 'forward pass' rule in tag rugby
To understand and apply the 'offside' rule in tag rugby
To demonstrate accurate passing and receiving skills within the rules

Key Outcomes

Students will explain why forward passes are not allowed in tag rugby
Students will position themselves correctly to stay onside
Students will pass backwards or sideways consistently during game play

Equipment & Resources Required

Rugby Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distribute around perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls, soft footballs for safety

Tag Rugby Equipment

30 (1 per student)

Check all belts have 2 tags attached before activity

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into waistbands

Cones

25 (optional)

Use to mark boundaries and try lines clearly

Alternative: Spots, markers, natural boundaries

Whistles

Clear signals for stopping and starting activities

Alternative: Hand claps, verbal commands

Key Vocabulary

Forward pass

A pass where the ball travels towards the try line (scoring end) - this is not allowed in rugby

Offside

Being in an illegal position behind the ball carrier when defending

Onside

Being in a legal position in front of the ball carrier when defending

Try line

The line at each end of the pitch where teams score by placing the ball down

Ball carrier

The player currently holding the rugby ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and catching skills
Understanding of tag rugby tagging rules
Basic spatial awareness and movement

Current Skills

Forward pass rule understanding
Offside rule application
Positional awareness for legal passing

Next Steps

Advanced game tactics using legal passing
Ruck and maul concepts
Team strategy development

Milestone Indicators

Students can identify forward passes in live play

Defenders automatically move onside after tags

Attackers position behind ball carrier without prompting

Key Teaching Points

Forward passes are not allowed - ball must travel backwards or sideways towards teammates
Defenders must move onside (in front of ball carrier) after making a tag before defending again
Attackers must position behind or level with ball carrier to receive legal passes
Eye contact and two-handed underarm passing technique ensures accuracy
Continuous movement and repositioning creates effective team play
Self-officiating and honesty are essential values in rugby
Spatial awareness and communication prevent collisions and improve team play

Common Misconceptions

Thinking sideways passes are forward - clarify that level/sideways passes are legal
Confusion about onside meaning 'on your side' rather than 'in front of ball carrier'
Believing you can pass immediately after being tagged - emphasise need to get onside first
Thinking faster play means better play - emphasise control and accuracy over speed
Assuming rugby rules are the same as football - highlight unique rugby regulations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive reinforcement, use clear visual boundaries and immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger, easier to handle equipment, allow additional practice time, provide step-by-step movement demonstrations

autism spectrum

Provide visual rule cards and consistent routines, offer quiet zones for overwhelm, use clear, predictable structure throughout lesson

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and belts, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for positioning guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for rule violations, provide written rule cards, ensure demonstrations are clearly visible

physical disability

Adapt to wheelchair play with modified boundaries, use lighter balls for easier handling, adjust tag belt positions for accessibility

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Explanation skills, listening and following instructions, vocabulary development and technical terms

Maths

Directional language (forwards, backwards, sideways), spatial reasoning, counting passes in sequence

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, momentum and direction changes, body positioning and balance

Geography

Directional concepts, mapping movement patterns, understanding of relative positions

PSHE

Fair play and honesty, teamwork and cooperation, following rules for community benefit

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during activities for optimal observation, position centrally for demonstrations and rule explanations

Observation Focus

Watch for rule application consistency, spatial awareness during movement, and positive peer interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when rules are consistently broken, when students show frustration, or when safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use students as models for rule demonstrations, exaggerate movements for visibility, ensure all students can see demonstrations clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Backwards only!' for passing reminders
•'Get onside!' when defenders need to reposition
•'Look first!' to encourage observation before passing
•'Well done!' to reinforce positive rule application

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space for multiple activities, indoor hall or outdoor marked area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or obstacles that could cause slips or falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts have secure fastenings and two tags attached
•Ensure rugby balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dynamic movement activities
•Trips and falls during direction changes
•Tag belt injuries if pulled too hard
•Ball strikes during passing activities

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and enforce gentle tagging
•Emphasise controlled movement and spatial awareness
•Teach proper tag removal technique
•Ensure adequate spacing between groups during activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all groups during 3v1 games
•Monitor tag belt security throughout lesson
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure proper technique during passing activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed