Lesson 8 - Tournament Rules & Fair Play
Tactical Awareness Skills
•Year 4
•Dodgeball
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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
Use to mark two courts with clear boundaries and centre lines
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines for court boundaries
Ensure balls are appropriate size and softness for Year 4
Alternative: Foam balls, soft playground balls
Prepare scoring system: 5 points win, 3 draw, 1 loss
Alternative: Whiteboard, clipboard with paper
One timer per court for 5-minute games
Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock
Key Vocabulary
A ball that is thrown and has not yet bounced or been caught
A competition where teams play multiple games to determine overall winner
Planned strategies used to gain advantage over opponents
Playing according to rules while showing respect for opponents
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
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