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Lesson 8 - Tag Rugby Tournament Application

Foundations to Tournament Play

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Year 4

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we use everything we've learned about tag rugby to compete fairly and effectively in a tournament?

Learning Objectives

To apply tag rugby rules and tactics effectively in tournament play
To demonstrate good sportsmanship and fair play throughout competition
To evaluate team performance and identify areas for improvement

Key Outcomes

Students will apply tag rugby rules consistently during tournament matches
Students will use defensive and attacking tactics to support their team
Students will demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills in competitive situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Mark out 2-3 tournament pitches with clear boundaries and try lines

Alternative: Marker discs, rope, or chalk lines for boundaries

Rugby Balls

6 (1 per pitch plus spares)

Check ball pressure and have spares ready for each pitch

Alternative: Oval-shaped foam balls for safety, or size 3 rugby balls

Tag Rugby Equipment

30 (1 per student)

Ensure all tags are securely attached and belts fit properly

Alternative: Fabric strips or scrunchies attached to elastic waistbands

Team bibs

30 (different colours for identification)

Distribute clearly visible team colours before tournament begins

Alternative: Coloured pinnards or t-shirts for team identification

Score Sheets

1 per group (4 or 6 teams)

Prepare score sheets with team names and match order pre-filled

Alternative: Whiteboard or clipboard with tournament bracket drawn

Whistles

3 (1 per pitch)

Assign referee whistles to students taking referee roles

Alternative: Hand signals if whistles not available

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A series of competitive games where teams play against each other to determine a winner

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly, respecting opponents, and behaving with honour in competition

Tactics

Planned strategies and methods used to gain advantage in the game

Referee

A person who ensures the rules are followed and makes decisions during the game

Try line

The line that players must cross with the ball to score points

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tagging technique and evasion skills
Understanding of passing backwards and sideways rules
Knowledge of 3-second rule after being tagged
Basic attacking and defensive positioning

Current Skills

Applying all rules consistently in competitive situations
Using tactical awareness in tournament play
Demonstrating leadership and sportsmanship
Evaluating and improving team performance

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play in structured games
Leadership roles in organising tournaments
Transition to full contact rugby skills
Coaching and mentoring younger students

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rule application without teacher intervention

Natural tactical communication during play

Positive leadership in challenging situations

Constructive team evaluation and improvement planning

Key Teaching Points

Tournament structure provides authentic context for applying all learned tag rugby skills
Referee role develops deep understanding of rules and fair play concepts
Team discussions between matches encourage tactical reflection and improvement
Sportsmanship is valued equally with competitive performance throughout
Multiple games allow students to apply learning and adapt tactics based on experience
Score system (5-3-1 points) emphasises participation and effort over pure winning
Rotation of referee duties ensures all students experience leadership and decision-making roles

Common Misconceptions

Tournament means only winning matters - emphasise learning, effort and sportsmanship are equally important
Only skilled players should referee - all students can develop rule understanding through referee experience
Tactics are too complex for Year 4 - simple concepts like 'spread wide' and 'close gaps' are highly effective
Competition damages teamwork - well-managed competition actually strengthens cooperative skills
Rules restrict fun - explain how rules create fair, exciting, and safe game opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tournament into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, assign specific roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Allow extra time for tag belt adjustment, provide simplified referee signals, pair with supportive teammate for tactical discussions

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament structure in advance, create quiet space for breaks between matches, use visual schedule for match rotation

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of tournament bracket and scores, assign buddy for navigation between pitches

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for referee decisions, provide written tournament format, ensure visual contact for team communication

physical disability

Modify tagging rules for wheelchair users, adjust playing area size, provide alternative roles such as scorer or tactical advisor

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in team discussions, giving clear instructions as referee, using persuasive language in tactical planning

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating team points and final rankings, understanding time management during matches

Science

Understanding forces in evasion movements, analysing energy systems during tournament play, recognising physical responses to competition

Geography

Spatial awareness in tactical positioning, understanding angles and directions in attacking moves

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation under pressure, managing competitive emotions, showing respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location allowing oversight of all tournament pitches with ability to move between games for coaching and safety

Observation Focus

Monitor rule application, tactical development, teamwork dynamics, and referee performance throughout tournament

Intervention Points

Step in if rules are consistently misunderstood, if sportsmanship deteriorates, or if competitive pressure becomes counterproductive

Demonstration Notes

Move between pitches providing tactical guidance, model positive coaching language, and celebrate good play from all teams

Verbal Cues

•'Spread wide in attack!'
•'Close the gaps in defence!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Great sportsmanship!'
•'Remember the 3-second rule!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple playing areas minimum 15m x 25m each, clear separation between pitches to prevent collisions

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for rapid direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts are properly secured before play
•Ensure tags can be removed cleanly without excessive force
•Verify rugby balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Check cones are stable and visible for boundaries

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during evasion
•Tripping over boundary markers or equipment
•Tag belts causing discomfort or injury if too tight
•Overexertion during extended tournament play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate space between pitches
•Regular reminders about awareness of other players
•Monitor student fatigue and provide rest breaks as needed
•Ensure proper tag removal technique to prevent belt pulling

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all pitches simultaneously
•Monitor tournament intensity and competitive pressure
•Watch for signs of overheating or exhaustion
•Ensure safe transition between matches

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, modify activity if needed for student safety