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Lesson 8 - Tag Rugby Tournament

Tag Rugby Basics

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Year 3

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we use all our tag rugby skills and knowledge to compete fairly and successfully in a tournament?

Learning Objectives

To apply the rules and tactics learnt to play in a tag rugby tournament
To demonstrate good sportsmanship and fair play throughout competitive matches
To evaluate team performance and identify areas for improvement

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully participate in a tag rugby tournament applying learned rules
Students will demonstrate understanding of attacking and defending roles
Students will show good sportsmanship and teamwork during competitive play

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Rugby Equipment

30 (1 per student)

Pre-distributed around playing area for quick access

Alternative: Velcro strips or fabric strips that can be tucked into waistbands

Rugby Balls

6 (1 per match in progress)

One ball placed at centre of each pitch

Alternative: Size 3 footballs or foam rugby balls for safety

Cones

30 for pitch marking

Mark try lines, sidelines, and centre lines for multiple pitches

Alternative: Spot markers or chalk lines if on tarmac

Team bibs

30 (different colours per team)

Organised in team sets for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured pinnards or simple coloured tape on arms

Score Sheets

1 per referee plus teacher master sheet

Clipboards or hard surfaces for writing

Alternative: Simple paper with team names and score columns

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A series of competitive matches where teams play against each other to determine winners

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly, respecting opponents, and showing good behaviour during sport

Tactics

Planned strategies and methods used to gain an advantage in the game

Referee

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

Possession

Having control of the ball and the opportunity to attack

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tag rugby rules and scoring system
Fundamental passing and catching skills
Understanding of attacking and defending concepts
Experience with dodging and tagging techniques

Current Skills

Applying rules consistently in competitive situations
Using tactical awareness in tournament play
Demonstrating sportsmanship under pressure
Self-officiating and score-keeping

Next Steps

Advanced tactical understanding and game management
Leadership roles in sport and physical activity
Transition to more complex invasion games
Understanding of tournament structures and formats

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rule application without teacher intervention

Positive team communication during matches

Fair play demonstrated even when losing

Accurate self-assessment of team performance

Key Teaching Points

Tournament success is measured by effort, improvement and sportsmanship, not just winning
Self-officiating develops understanding of rules and respect for authority figures
Competitive pressure reveals character - maintain standards when it matters most
Teamwork includes encouraging struggling teammates and celebrating others' success
Tactical awareness develops through experience - each match is a learning opportunity
Fair play creates enjoyable experiences for everyone involved
Leadership can be shown in many ways - not just by team captains

Common Misconceptions

Students think only winning teams are successful - emphasise effort and improvement equally
Belief that referees should be adults - explain that peer officiating develops understanding
Assumption that tactics are too complex for Year 3 - show simple strategies like spacing and support
Thinking competitive sport reduces enjoyment - demonstrate how fair competition enhances fun
Misconception that rules limit creativity - explain how rules create framework for skilful play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries and structure, regular movement breaks, specific roles to maintain focus, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Extra time for organisation, simplified referee signals, larger equipment for easier handling, additional practice of key movements

autism spectrum

Clear visual tournament schedule, designated quiet area for breaks, predictable routine between matches, advance warning of transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured team bands and equipment, provide verbal commentary during matches, buddy system with sighted teammate

hearing impairment

Visual signals for referee decisions, written score sheets clearly displayed, hand signals for team communication

physical disability

Modified rules allowing walking pace, larger tag targets, adapted equipment, wheelchair-accessible pitch boundaries

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during team talks, vocabulary development through sports terminology, listening skills when receiving tactical instructions

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating points totals, time management across multiple matches, understanding statistics and league tables

Science

Understanding forces during tagging and dodging, impact of exercise on heart rate and breathing during competitive play

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation under pressure, dealing with disappointment and success, leadership responsibility, fair play and respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with visibility of all playing areas, regular circulation to support referees and maintain standards

Observation Focus

Monitor rule application, sportsmanship levels, referee confidence, and skill development under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in if safety concerns arise, support struggling referees, mediate disputes, maintain tournament schedule

Demonstration Notes

Model positive encouragement, show confidence in student referees, demonstrate fair play principles throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Brilliant sportsmanship team!'
•'Remember the 3-second rule'
•'Support your referee - they're doing a great job'
•'Keep using those tactics we practiced'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple playing areas minimum 15m x 20m each, with 2m safety zones between pitches

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, checked before each round of matches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tag belts checked for secure but safe fastening
•Rugby balls inflated to appropriate pressure for year group
•Cones positioned to clearly mark boundaries without creating trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during competitive play
•Overexertion during tournament matches
•Disputes arising from competitive pressure
•Inadequate supervision across multiple matches

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safety zones between pitches established
•Regular breaks between matches to prevent fatigue
•Teacher circulation between matches for supervision
•Emphasis on sportsmanship to prevent disputes
•Referee training to maintain safe play standards

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all pitches simultaneously
•Regular circulation between matches
•Support for referees when needed
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop all matches immediately if incident occurs, assess situation, appropriate first aid/support, incident recording if required