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Lesson 3 - Playing Tag Rugby Games

Foundations to Tournament Play

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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55 min

Big Question

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

Rugby Balls

Check inflation and distribute around area perimeter

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, soft-touch rugby balls

Tag Rugby Equipment

Check all have two working tags, adjust for different waist sizes

Alternative: Bibs with attached strips, velcro belts

Cones

Mark out playing areas, try lines, and restart positions

Alternative: Spot markers, boundary ropes

Key Vocabulary

Tag

The coloured strips attached to the belt that players must pull to stop an opponent

Try

A score made by placing the ball down with two hands past the try line

Possession

Which team has control of the ball

Dodge

Quick movement to avoid being tagged by an opponent

Tap restart

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

Students automatically return tags without prompting

Effective dodging movements become natural responses

Understanding of possession rules becomes intuitive

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