Lesson 7 - Officiating and Refereeing Skills
Fair Play to Tournament Skills
•Year 5
•Dodgeball
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How can we become fair and confident officials to ensure everyone enjoys the game?
Learning Objectives
- To develop officiating skills and referee a dodgeball game effectively
- To apply game rules consistently and fairly
- To demonstrate respect for officials and opponents
Key Outcomes
- Students will recognise when players are out and apply rules correctly
- Students will officiate games with confidence and clarity
- Students will show respect for referees and accept decisions gracefully
Equipment & Resources Required
Use to mark court boundaries and dead zones
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, or court markings
Ensure balls are properly inflated and in good condition
Alternative: Soft foam balls, rubber playground balls
Available for referees to consult if needed
Alternative: Laminated rule cards, digital display of rules
For referees to start games and stop play
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Key Vocabulary
The act of supervising a game and ensuring rules are followed
A ball that has been thrown and not yet touched the ground or a player
The central area where balls are placed at the start of each game
The area where teams begin each game
Being fair and unbiased when making decisions
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of dodgeball rules
- Experience playing dodgeball games
- Understanding of fair play principles
Current Skills
- Officiating and refereeing skills
- Rule application and enforcement
- Decision-making under pressure
- Communication with players
Next Steps
- Advanced tournament officiating
- Teaching rules to younger students
- Leadership roles in competitive games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Confident, loud, and clear referee communication is essential for game control
- Respect for officials must be modelled and reinforced throughout all activities
- Rules must be applied consistently to ensure fair play for all participants
- Good positioning allows referees to see all action and make accurate decisions
- Every student should experience both playing and officiating to develop empathy
- Sportsmanship includes accepting referee decisions gracefully even when disagreeing
- Building referee confidence through progressive challenges and positive support
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking referees should be perfect - explain that everyone makes mistakes but decisions stand
- Believing arguing with referees improves decisions - teach that respect maintains game flow
- Assuming only sporty students can referee well - emphasise that rule knowledge and confidence matter most
- Thinking referee roles are easy - highlight the concentration and pressure involved
- Believing all hits count equally - reinforce the below-shoulders rule consistently
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter game segments, clear focus tasks for referee role, regular movement and position changes
dyspraxia
- Simplified referee signals, extra practice time for rule understanding, supportive partnership arrangements
autism spectrum
- Clear, predictable routine for officiating rotation, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for referee support
hearing impairment
- Clear visual signals for referee calls, written rule cards available, demonstration-based teaching
physical disability
- Modified referee positions (seated or stationary), adapted throwing techniques, inclusive team formation
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills, clear instruction giving, vocabulary development around officiating terms
Maths
Counting players in and out, timing game durations, calculating team scores and win percentages
Geography
Spatial awareness, positioning, understanding court layouts and movement patterns
PSHE
Respect for authority, conflict resolution, leadership skills, taking responsibility
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between courts to observe officiating and provide support, position for maximum visibility during discussions
Observation Focus
Watch for confident decision-making, respectful interactions, consistent rule application, and growing officiating skills
Intervention Points
Step in if disputes escalate, support struggling referees with encouragement, address any unsporting behaviour immediately
Demonstration Notes
Model confident referee behaviour throughout, show respect for student referees even when they make mistakes, demonstrate positive reaction to decisions
Verbal Cues
- •'Loud and clear referees!'
- •'Great decision-making!'
- •'Remember to respect the referee!'
- •'Watch that positioning!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or playground area, minimum 20m x 15m for multiple courts
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check dodgeballs are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify whistles are clean and working
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impacts to head or face
- •Collisions between players during intense games
- •Disputes leading to physical confrontation
- •Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise below-shoulder rule for all throws
- •Clear court boundaries to prevent collisions
- •Strong referee authority to manage disputes
- •Gradual build-up from simple to complex games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for overview of all courts during multi-game activities
- •Monitor referee-player interactions for signs of tension
- •Watch for dangerous throwing techniques or unsporting behaviour
Emergency Procedures
Stop all games immediately with loud whistle, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident forms if needed