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Lesson 8 - Tournament Rules & Fair Play

Tactical Awareness Skills

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Year 4

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Dodgeball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use rules and tactics to play dodgeball fairly while striving to improve our performance?

Learning Objectives

To understand and apply the rules of dodgeball in tournament situations
To use simple tactics to make it difficult for opponents while playing fairly
To demonstrate positive character traits including honesty and good sportsmanship

Key Outcomes

Students will play dodgeball following the correct rules throughout a tournament
Students will identify successful strategies and areas for improvement
Students will demonstrate fair play and positive behaviour towards opponents

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Use to mark two courts with clear boundaries and centre lines

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines for court boundaries

Dodgeball

10 (3 per game)

Ensure balls are appropriate size and softness for Year 4

Alternative: Foam balls, soft playground balls

Score Sheets

1 per team (4 total)

Prepare scoring system: 5 points win, 3 draw, 1 loss

Alternative: Whiteboard, clipboard with paper

Stopwatch

One timer per court for 5-minute games

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Live ball

A ball that is thrown and has not yet bounced or been caught

Tournament

A competition where teams play multiple games to determine overall winner

Tactics

Planned strategies used to gain advantage over opponents

Fair play

Playing according to rules while showing respect for opponents

Character traits

Personal qualities shown through behaviour and actions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can throw and catch a ball with reasonable accuracy
Students understand basic dodgeball rules from previous lessons
Students can work cooperatively in teams

Current Skills

Applying rules consistently in competitive situations
Using simple tactical awareness during gameplay
Demonstrating character traits under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play in invasion games
Leadership roles in officiating games
Complex tournament formats and scoring systems

Milestone Indicators

Plays honestly without needing reminders

Shows tactical awareness in positioning and timing

Demonstrates resilience when team is losing

Key Teaching Points

Rules create fairness and safety for all participants
Character traits are as important as physical skills in sport
Tactical awareness involves positioning and communication
Honesty in self-officiating builds integrity and trust
Competition should bring out the best in people, not the worst
Improvement mindset is more valuable than winning mindset
Recognising others' positive qualities builds community

Common Misconceptions

Rules are meant to restrict fun rather than ensure fairness
Winning is the only measure of success in sport
Tactical play is too advanced for primary school students
Character development happens automatically through sport
Competition always brings out negative behaviours
Self-officiating leads to cheating rather than honesty
Only the most skilled students can show leadership

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods with regular breaks, clear role definitions, immediate positive feedback for good choices

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, reduced court size, additional practice time, pair with supportive teammate

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual tournament bracket, quiet area available for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls with bells inside, provide verbal commentary of game progress, assign sighted buddy for positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game start/stop, written rule cards available, ensure good sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Seated version with modified court size, lighter/larger balls, adapted scoring system for different abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during team discussions, vocabulary development through specialist terms

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating points totals, time management during 5-minute games

Science

Understanding body responses to exercise, forces involved in throwing and catching

PSHE

Character development, handling competition pressure, showing respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand between the two courts for optimal visibility of both games simultaneously

Observation Focus

Watch for rule adherence, tactical awareness, and character traits being displayed

Intervention Points

Step in if students showing poor sportsmanship, breaking safety rules, or need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use enthusiastic but controlled energy, model excellent sportsmanship, show tactical concepts clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Below shoulders only!'
•'Spread out, don't bunch together!'
•'Great honesty calling yourself out!'
•'Remember your tactics!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m for two courts, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from debris, adequate grip for quick movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check dodgeballs are appropriate size and softness for Year 4
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges and are positioned safely
•Verify all equipment is in good condition before use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts to head/face area
•Collisions between players during dodging
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Overexertion in competitive environment

Risk Mitigation

•Strict enforcement of below-shoulder rule
•Clear court boundaries to prevent collisions
•Progressive warm-up to prepare body for quick movements
•Regular breaks and hydration reminders
•Monitor emotional responses to competition

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between courts for maximum visibility of both games
•Monitor high-activity areas near centre lines
•Watch for signs of overexertion or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely managed