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Lesson 6 - Tag Rugby Tournament

Core Skills to Game Tactics

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we apply all our tag rugby skills to succeed in competitive tournament play?

Learning Objectives

Apply knowledge and understanding of tag rugby rules in competitive games
Demonstrate attacking and defending skills under tournament pressure
Work collaboratively as a team whilst showing respect for opponents

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully participate in a round-robin tournament format
Students will apply previously learned skills in competitive game situations
Students will demonstrate sportsmanship and self-management during competition

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Rugby Equipment

1 per student (30)

Ensure belts are properly fitted before games begin

Alternative: Fabric strips, bibs tucked into shorts

Rugby Balls

4 (one per game)

Check balls are properly inflated and in good condition

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, foam rugby balls

Cones

16 (4 per pitch)

Mark corners of 15m x 10m pitches clearly

Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines

Clipboards

One per pitch for students to manage their own scoring

Alternative: Whiteboards, paper scoresheets

Score Sheets

1 large display

Visible central location for all students to track progress

Alternative: Whiteboard tournament grid

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition involving multiple teams playing against each other

Round Robin

A tournament format where every team plays every other team once

Offside

Being ahead of the ball carrier when your team has possession

Sportsmanship

Fair play, respect for opponents, and good behaviour in sport

Competitive Pressure

The mental challenge of performing skills when results matter

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tag rugby rules and gameplay
Passing and catching techniques
Attacking and defending principles
Spatial awareness and positioning

Current Skills

Applying skills under competitive pressure
Tournament format understanding
Advanced tactical decision-making
Self-management and sportsmanship

Next Steps

Advanced tag rugby tactics
Leadership roles in sport
Cross-curricular applications of teamwork
Transition to full contact rugby concepts

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rule application during competition

Effective team collaboration under pressure

Positive attitude regardless of results

Strategic thinking during gameplay

Key Teaching Points

Tournament success measured by sportsmanship and skill application, not just winning
Self-management and fair play are essential life skills developed through sport
Competitive pressure reveals character - encourage students to show their best selves
Every student contributes to team success through different strengths
Learning continues even during competition - mistakes are learning opportunities
Recognition and celebration should focus on effort, improvement, and positive behaviour
Tournament format teaches valuable lessons about resilience and dealing with results

Common Misconceptions

Thinking winning is the only measure of success in tournaments
Believing competitive games don't require the same skill focus as practice
Assuming self-officiating means rules don't matter
Thinking teams selected by teacher are unfair rather than balanced for learning
Believing disputes should be solved by adults rather than developing problem-solving skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game durations with more frequent breaks, clear role definitions, positive behaviour focus

dyspraxia

Larger target areas, simplified game roles, extra encouragement and patience with skill application

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure displayed visually, consistent routines between games, quiet zone available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of play, buddy system for guidance during games

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game management, clear visual tournament board, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Modified rules allowing rolling ball instead of passing, seated play options, adapted tagging methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during games, expressing ideas about sportsmanship, vocabulary development through sport

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating points totals, understanding round-robin format mathematics

Science

Understanding fatigue and recovery, effects of exercise on heart rate, forces involved in ball movement

PSHE

Teamwork under pressure, managing emotions during competition, respect for others, resilience when losing

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with sight lines to all four pitches, circulate regularly during games

Observation Focus

Balance of skills, sportsmanship, self-management, and competitive pressure responses

Intervention Points

Step in for safety issues, serious disputes, or when self-management breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent sportsmanship yourself, show enthusiasm for all teams equally, demonstrate conflict resolution techniques when needed

Verbal Cues

•'Beautiful passing under pressure!'
•'Excellent sportsmanship, well done!'
•'Remember to support your teammate!'
•'Great problem-solving by that team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for four separate pitches with adequate separation

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tag belts checked for secure Velcro and no sharp edges
•Rugby balls properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones positioned to clearly mark boundaries without creating trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive games
•Overexertion during tournament play
•Disputes escalating due to competitive pressure
•Tag belts becoming loose or broken during games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear pitch boundaries with adequate space between games
•Regular breaks between tournament rounds
•Teacher circulation to monitor all games
•Self-officiating education emphasising fair play
•Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all four pitches simultaneously
•Circulate between games to monitor both play and behaviour
•Have clear signals for stopping all games if needed

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, have emergency contacts readily available