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Lesson 8 - Tournament Application

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 combine all our tag rugby skills and knowledge to compete fairly and effectively in a tournament?

Learning Objectives

To apply rules and tactics consistently in competitive tag rugby games
To demonstrate effective contribution when attacking and defending
To understand and select appropriate skills for different game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply tag rugby rules and tactics in tournament games
Students will contribute effectively to team performance in attack and defence
Students will demonstrate good sportsmanship and fair play throughout competition

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Mark out 2-3 pitches and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers or corner flags

Rugby Balls

1-2 balls per pitch, extras ready for quick replacement

Alternative: Foam rugby balls for safety

Tag Rugby Equipment

30 (1 per student)

Check all belts have 2 tags and are properly fastened

Alternative: Flag belts or touch rugby alternatives

Team bibs

30 (sets of different colours)

Ensure clear colour distinction between teams

Alternative: Coloured pinnards or team shirts

Score Sheets

1 per team

Pre-prepare tournament brackets and score recording sheets

Alternative: Whiteboard or digital scoring app

Whistles

2-3

For teacher oversight and student referees if needed

Alternative: Voice commands only

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A series of competitive games between multiple teams to determine overall winners

Referee

The person who ensures fair play by enforcing rules during a game

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly, respecting opponents, and showing good behaviour whether winning or losing

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to gain advantage in attack or defence

Self-officiating

Players taking responsibility for calling their own fouls and enforcing rules

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tag rugby rules and scoring
Fundamental passing and catching techniques
Understanding of attacking and defending principles
Experience with small-sided tag rugby games

Current Skills

Applying rules consistently in competitive situations
Using tactics and strategies effectively
Demonstrating sportsmanship under pressure
Self-officiating and score-keeping

Next Steps

Advanced tactical decision-making
Leadership roles in officiating
Coaching and mentoring younger students
Inter-school competition preparation

Milestone Indicators

Can officiate a game fairly and accurately

Demonstrates tactical awareness in game situations

Shows consistent application of rules without reminders

Displays excellent sportsmanship throughout tournament

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise sportsmanship and fair play throughout the tournament
Ensure consistent rule application by all referees
Celebrate tactical awareness and skill application under pressure
Recognise improvement and effort alongside competitive success
Maintain high energy and enthusiasm while ensuring safety
Use natural game breaks for coaching and tactical discussions
Model positive reactions to both winning and losing situations

Common Misconceptions

Believing that winning is more important than fair play and skill development
Thinking that only the winning team has been successful
Assuming that referee decisions cannot be questioned or discussed respectfully
Believing that tactics are only for advanced players
Thinking that physical ability is the only factor in tag rugby success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular position changes, clear roles and responsibilities, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks between games

dyspraxia

Simplified game format, larger equipment where appropriate, extra practice time, focus on effort over outcome

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure explanation, predictable routines, quiet zones available, social stories about competition

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal instructions for all activities, buddy system for support, tactile boundary markers

hearing impairment

Visual referee signals, clear demonstrations, written instructions available, visual tournament brackets and scores

physical disability

Modified tagging system, seated or supported positions, adapted scoring methods, inclusive team roles beyond playing

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during team discussions, following complex instructions, vocabulary development through sporting terms

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating league tables, time management during games, statistical analysis of performance

Science

Understanding forces in rugby movements, energy systems during exercise, recovery and cool-down science

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of field dimensions and boundaries

PSHE

Leadership development, conflict resolution, emotional regulation under pressure, celebrating diversity in teams

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between active games to provide encouragement and coaching points, maintain overview of all activities

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent rule application, tactical development, sportsmanship, and skill execution under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in if unfair play occurs, provide tactical hints during natural breaks, support struggling referees

Demonstration Notes

Model positive reactions to both success and setbacks, highlight good examples of play as they occur, support peer learning

Verbal Cues

•'Excellent sportsmanship!'
•'Remember to create space!'
•'Support your ball carrier!'
•'Fair decision, referee!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 60m for two pitches, or larger space for three pitches if six teams

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from hazards, appropriate for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts for secure fitting and intact tags
•Inspect rugby balls for proper inflation and damage
•Ensure cones are visible and have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between enthusiastic players
•Tags becoming loose and causing trips
•Overexertion during competitive activities
•Emotional responses to competitive pressure

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and pitch separation to prevent collisions
•Regular tag belt checks throughout tournament
•Scheduled breaks and hydration opportunities
•Teacher monitoring for signs of fatigue or frustration

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all active games
•Monitor high-activity areas around try lines
•Watch for emotional responses to competition
•Ensure fair refereeing and rule application

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, clear protocols for serious incidents