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Lesson 4 - Game Play & Rules

Skills to Team Mastery

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Year 5

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we use tagging skills and game rules to play fair and exciting tag rugby matches?

Learning Objectives

To apply tagging and dodging skills in game situations
To understand and consistently apply tag rugby rules during play
To develop teamwork and tactical awareness in invasion games

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective tagging and dodging techniques under pressure
Students will show understanding of tag rugby rules and apply them consistently
Students will work collaboratively to develop defensive and attacking tactics

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Rugby Equipment

30 (1 per student)

Check all tags are secure and belts are correct size

Alternative: Fabric strips or bibs tucked into waistbands

Rugby Balls

Ensure balls are properly inflated and suitable for age group

Alternative: Size 3 footballs or foam rugby balls

Team bibs

15 (2 colours)

Distribute evenly to create clear team identification

Alternative: Different coloured tags on belts

Cones

8-12

Use to mark boundaries and scoring lines clearly

Alternative: Markers or natural boundaries

Stopwatch

For timing activities and enforcing 3-second rule

Alternative: Phone timer or countdown app

Key Vocabulary

Tag

Removing an opponent's flag/tag from their belt to stop their progress

3-second rule

After being tagged, players have 3 seconds to pass the ball

Try

Scoring by carrying the ball over the opponent's line

Possession

When a team has control of the ball

Turnover

When possession changes from one team to another

Defensive line

Coordinated positioning of defending players

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and dodging movements
Simple ball handling and passing skills
Understanding of personal space and safety
Experience with team games and following rules

Current Skills

Correct tag belt wearing and tag removal technique
Applying tagging rules consistently in game situations
Tactical awareness in attack and defence
Quick decision-making under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced tag rugby strategies and set plays
Transition to contact rugby skills (if appropriate)
Leadership and coaching roles in games
Officiating and rule enforcement

Milestone Indicators

Consistent application of 3-second rule after being tagged

Effective communication during team games

Demonstration of fair play and sportsmanship

Ability to adapt tactics based on game situation

Key Teaching Points

Tags must be clearly visible and accessible - no protecting or hiding allowed
3-second rule is crucial - count aloud to help students understand timing
Return to exact tag position before passing - emphasise accuracy
Communication is key in team defending and attacking
Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as skill development
Progressive complexity from individual to full team games
Consistent application of rules creates better learning environment

Common Misconceptions

Students think they can protect tags with hands or body position - correct with clear demonstrations
Confusion about 3-second timing - use clear counting and visual cues
Believing all defenders should go for ball carrier - teach defensive spreading
Thinking game restarts from anywhere - emphasise tap restart from centre
Assuming tagging is about strength - focus on technique and timing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with breaks, clear visual boundaries, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Larger tags for easier removal, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for skills

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available, consistent routine and rule structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tags and equipment, verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations and hand signals, written rule cards, use of vibrating timer for 3-second rule

physical disability

Modified tag positions for wheelchair users, walking pace alternatives, adapted ball size and weight

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting tags and passes, timing 3-second rule, scoring and scorekeeping, measuring playing areas

Science

Understanding forces in tag removal, body systems during exercise, reaction times and decision making

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and movement patterns, mapping team positions and movements

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when tagged, managing emotions in competitive situations, leadership skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activities for optimal observation, central position during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for rule application, safety in tagging, teamwork development, and individual progress

Intervention Points

Step in when rules are misunderstood, safety is compromised, or students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for all demonstrations, ensure all students can see, repeat key actions

Verbal Cues

•'Head up when running!'
•'Clean tag - grab and pull!'
•'Three seconds to pass!'
•'Work together as a team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor space, or large sports hall, with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from holes, debris, or trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts for secure fastenings and no sharp edges
•Ensure tags are properly attached and not damaged
•Verify rugby balls are correctly inflated and suitable for age group

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during running games
•Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
•Tag belt fastenings causing discomfort or injury
•Overexertion in active games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and monitored
•Adequate spacing between activity groups
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular checks on equipment condition and fitting
•Immediate replacement of tags after removal

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor high-activity games closely
•Ensure adequate space between groups
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified