Lesson 3 - Playing Tag Rugby Games
Foundations to Tournament Play
•Year 4
•Tag Rugby
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How can we use tagging rules to create fair and exciting games whilst developing our dodging and spatial awareness skills?
Learning Objectives
- To understand and apply the fundamental rules of tag rugby in game situations
- To develop dodging and evasion skills while respecting game boundaries
- To demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship during competitive activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will consistently apply tag rugby rules during game play
- Students will execute effective dodging techniques while maintaining ball control
- Students will demonstrate understanding of spatial awareness and teamwork
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation and distribute around area perimeter
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, soft-touch rugby balls
Check all have two working tags, adjust for different waist sizes
Alternative: Bibs with attached strips, velcro belts
Mark out playing areas, try lines, and restart positions
Alternative: Spot markers, boundary ropes
Key Vocabulary
The coloured strips attached to the belt that players must pull to stop an opponent
A score made by placing the ball down with two hands past the try line
Which team has control of the ball
Quick movement to avoid being tagged by an opponent
Starting play by tapping the ball with foot then picking it up
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and chasing skills
- Understanding of boundaries and safe play
- Simple ball handling from previous lessons
Current Skills
- Tag rugby specific rules application
- Dodging and evasion under pressure
- Fair play and tag return procedures
Next Steps
- Advanced game tactics and team strategies
- Positional play and defensive formations
- Full tag rugby matches with referee skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tag rugby requires fair play - no protecting tags or pushing opponents
- Three tags equals change of possession in real games
- Proper tag technique: pull cleanly, hold high, shout TAG, return immediately
- Effective dodging uses change of pace and direction, not just speed
- Ball control must be maintained throughout all movements
- Communication is essential for successful team play
- Try scoring requires two-handed ball placement over the line
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you can protect tags with your hands - this breaks fair play rules
- Believing faster running always beats good dodging technique
- Assuming four tags changes possession - it's three in actual games
- Thinking taggers can grab players instead of just pulling tags
- Believing you don't need to return tags immediately after pulling them
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Larger targets for scoring, reduced complexity in initial games, extra practice time for belt fitting
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, consistent routines for each game, quiet zone available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured contrast tags, verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written rule reminders, visual tag counting system
physical disability
- Modified walking tag games, seated participation options, adapted equipment with longer tags
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills in calling tags, following and giving clear instructions
Maths
Counting tags and possession changes, measuring distances for game areas, timing activities
Science
Understanding forces in dodging movements, momentum and direction changes, reaction times
PSHE
Fair play principles, teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition pressure
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between playing areas to observe all groups, central position during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for rule application, safe play, and skill development progression
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, rule clarification, or when students show frustration
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for tag technique, emphasise safety rules throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Clean tag pull!'
- •'Head up and dodge!'
- •'Return that tag immediately!'
- •'Count those tags out loud!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, multiple 8m x 6m game zones
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles and trip hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all tag belts for secure fastenings before use
- •Ensure rugby balls are properly inflated and not over-hard
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during chasing activities
- •Falls when dodging at speed
- •Tag belt malfunction or incorrect fitting
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Controlled contact rules strictly enforced
- •Regular belt checks throughout lesson
- •Adequate spacing between game areas
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
- •Monitor for aggressive play or rule violations
- •Watch for equipment issues or unsafe belt fitting
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid support, alert relevant staff if required