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Lesson 8 - Officiating and Performing Skills

Technique & Teamwork Focus

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Year 5

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can working together as officials and performers help us achieve our personal best in athletics?

Learning Objectives

To develop officiating skills by accurately measuring and timing athletic performances
To improve performing skills across multiple athletic disciplines
To demonstrate teamwork and supportive behaviour when working in groups

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to officiate accurately using proper measuring techniques
Students will show improvement in their personal best times and distances
Students will demonstrate effective teamwork and encouragement skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Distribute around stations for marking distances and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, rope markers

Foam Javelins

Store safely at javelin station, check for damage before use

Alternative: Pool noodles, tennis balls in socks

Light Shot Put

Age-appropriate weight for Year 5 students

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, soft medicine balls

Pencils

One per group for recording results

Alternative: Pens, clipboards with attached pens

Stopwatch

Digital display preferred for clear reading

Alternative: Mobile phone timer, multiple stopwatches for larger groups

Clues Document

Place at each station for reference

Alternative: Laminated instruction cards, digital display

Score Sheets

One per group, include previous personal bests

Alternative: Individual recording sheets, digital recording app

Tape Measure

1-2

For more accurate measuring at jumping stations

Alternative: Trundle wheel, marked rope

Key Vocabulary

Officiating

The act of supervising and ensuring fair play by measuring, timing and recording results

Personal Best

Your own best time or distance achieved in an athletic event

Anaerobic

High-intensity exercise that doesn't rely on oxygen from breathing

Measurement Point

The exact location where an object first touches the ground

Start Line

The marked line from which all measurements begin

Carousel

A system where groups rotate between different activity stations

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and running techniques from previous athletics units
Understanding of turn-taking and fair play
Experience with measuring and timing activities

Current Skills

Accurate officiating and measuring techniques
Advanced performance in multiple athletic disciplines
Leadership and peer coaching abilities

Next Steps

Competition officiating roles
Advanced athletic techniques and tactics
Inter-school athletics competition preparation

Milestone Indicators

Consistently accurate measurements within 0.1m

Improvement in personal best times/distances

Effective peer feedback and encouragement

Key Teaching Points

Always measure from the start line to where object or performer first lands
Work together fairly - everyone gets equal turns to perform and officiate
Use proper throwing technique - sideways on for javelin, chin-knee-toe alignment for shot put
Encouragement from teammates directly impacts performance improvement
Accurate officiating is as important as good performing
Safety first in all throwing events - clear area before throwing
Personal improvement is more important than comparison with others

Common Misconceptions

That the furthest thrower or fastest runner is automatically the best official - accuracy matters more than athletic ability
Measuring from where the object stops rather than where it first lands
That encouragement doesn't really help performance - research shows positive support improves outcomes
That officiating is less important than performing - both roles require skill and concentration
That you can't improve in one lesson - many students will see immediate improvements with proper coaching

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear, short instructions at each station, regular positive reinforcement, movement between stations helps maintain focus

dyspraxia

Simplified measuring techniques, extra practice time for coordination, peer support for complex movements

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of station rotations, offer quiet space if overstimulated, use consistent timing signals

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of distances, use tactile markers for measuring

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for station changes, provide written instruction cards at each station, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Provide seated throwing options, modify distances for wheelchair users, use lighter equipment where needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Using precise vocabulary to describe techniques, giving clear instructions as officials, recording accurate descriptions

Maths

Measuring distances in metres and centimetres, calculating improvements, recording data accurately, understanding time in minutes and seconds

Science

Understanding forces in throwing events, effects of exercise on body, air resistance in javelin flight

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, showing determination and resilience, supporting others through encouragement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate systematically between stations, spending more time at throwing events for safety

Observation Focus

Monitor officiating accuracy, technique improvement, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, support struggling officials, encourage quiet participants

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples where possible, demonstrate measuring techniques clearly, model encouraging language

Verbal Cues

•'Measure from the start line to first landing point'
•'Great encouragement - that really helped their performance'
•'Check your technique - sideways on for javelin'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor space or sports hall with separate areas for each athletic station

Surface Check

Ensure non-slip surfaces for running and jumping, clear of debris for throwing events

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check foam javelins for damage before use
•Ensure shot puts are appropriate weight for Year 5
•Verify cone placement doesn't create trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running activities
•Improper throwing technique causing injury
•Slips during jumping events
•Equipment strikes from thrown objects

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing safety zones with no crossing during activities
•Supervised technique demonstrations before throwing events
•Adequate spacing between stations to prevent interference
•Proper warm up and cool down procedures

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight lines to all throwing events
•Regular circulation between stations during activities
•Monitor fatigue levels during 4-minute stations

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on emergency signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid response