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Lesson 8 - Officiating and Performing Skills

Whole-Body Technique

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Year 4

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we become both skilled performers and fair officials in athletics?

Learning Objectives

To develop officiating skills including measuring, timing and recording
To perform athletics skills with improved technique and consistency
To understand the importance of fair play and accurate measurement in athletics

Key Outcomes

Students will accurately measure distances from start lines to landing points
Students will demonstrate improved technique in running, jumping and throwing events
Students will take turns as officials and performers showing fairness and accuracy

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

One per throwing station for distance throws

Alternative: Medicine balls, bean bags for throwing activities

Cones

Placed at measured intervals for each station

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines for distance marking

Foam Javelins

Stored safely at javelin station with clear throwing area

Alternative: Pool noodles, foam rockets, tennis balls in socks

Pencils

One per group for recording results

Alternative: Clipboards with attached pens

Stopwatch

Central timing device operated by teacher

Alternative: Smartphone timer, countdown app

Clues Document

1 per station

Resource card placed next to each corresponding station

Alternative: Laminated instruction cards

Score Sheets

1 per group

For groups to record their measurements and times

Alternative: Simple score recording sheets

Key Vocabulary

Officiating

Acting as a judge or referee to ensure fair play and accurate measurement

Landing Point

The place where an object or performer first touches the ground

Personal Best

Your own best performance or score in a particular event

Technique

The specific method or way of performing a skill correctly

Carousel

A system where groups rotate around different activity stations

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running, jumping and throwing movements
Understanding of taking turns and working in pairs
Simple measuring skills using standard units

Current Skills

Accurate measurement and recording techniques
Performing athletics events with improved form
Understanding roles and responsibilities of officials

Next Steps

Competitive athletics events with formal rules
Advanced techniques in specific athletics disciplines
Leadership roles in organising athletics competitions

Milestone Indicators

Consistently measures to correct landing points

Shows improvement in personal best performances

Demonstrates fair and accurate officiating skills

Key Teaching Points

Always measure from the start line to the first point where the object or performer lands
Good officiating requires fairness, accuracy and clear communication
Athletics technique improves through practice and focus on specific teaching points
Taking turns as performer and official develops empathy and understanding
Personal improvement and effort are more important than comparison with others
Safety awareness is essential during all throwing and running activities
Cooperation and encouragement help everyone achieve their best performance

Common Misconceptions

Measuring to where objects stop rather than first landing point
Thinking officiating is less important than performing
Believing natural ability is more important than technique and practice
Focusing only on winning rather than personal improvement
Assuming all students should achieve the same distances or times

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use clear, specific time boundaries for activities, provide regular movement breaks, give specific roles and responsibilities to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Break down complex movements into smaller steps, allow additional practice time, provide physical guidance for measuring techniques

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of station rotations, allow additional processing time for instructions, offer quiet space if needed during discussions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones for better visibility, provide verbal descriptions of distances and measurements, assign sighted partner for safety

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for start/stop commands, provide written instructions at stations, ensure face-to-face communication during explanations

physical disability

Adapt throwing techniques for different abilities, modify distances as appropriate, consider seated alternatives for some activities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Using specific vocabulary related to athletics and measurement, following and giving clear instructions, group discussion skills

Maths

Measuring distances using metres and half-metres, recording and comparing numerical data, timing activities and calculating elapsed time

Science

Understanding forces in throwing and jumping, body systems during exercise, measuring and recording data accurately

PSHE

Working cooperatively in teams, showing respect and fairness when officiating, building resilience through challenging activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing clear sight lines to all five carousel stations, rotate between stations during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for safe technique, accurate measuring by officials, and positive group cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe technique observed, measuring inaccuracy noted, or negative interactions between students

Demonstration Notes

Use students as demonstration partners when possible, show both correct technique and common errors for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Measure from start line to first landing!'
•'Officials, remember to be fair and accurate!'
•'Focus on your technique, not just distance!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m, or full school hall for indoor alternative

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for running, jumping and throwing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check foam javelins are in good condition with no splits
•Ensure basketballs are properly inflated
•Verify cones are not cracked or damaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running activities
•Objects striking participants during throwing events
•Falls during jumping activities
•Equipment-related injuries

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all throwing areas
•Adequate spacing between groups and activities
•Students follow start and stop commands immediately
•Equipment checked before and during use

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all five stations
•Pay particular attention to throwing activities
•Monitor running areas for appropriate pacing and collision avoidance

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activities immediately with whistle signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek medical support as required