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Lesson 6 - Tag Rugby Tournament Application

Team Coordination

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Year 5

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we apply all our tag rugby skills and tactics to succeed in competitive tournament play?

Learning Objectives

To apply knowledge and understanding of tag rugby rules and tactics in competitive tournament matches
To demonstrate effective attacking and defending strategies under pressure
To evaluate team performance and suggest tactical improvements between games

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply tag rugby skills in 5v5 tournament matches
Teams will demonstrate coordinated attacking and defending strategies
Students will referee matches fairly and provide constructive feedback to teammates

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Different coloured belts for each team, spare tags available

Alternative: Coloured bands or bibs with tags attached

Rugby Balls

6-8 balls

Size 3 rugby balls, correctly inflated

Alternative: Foam rugby balls for younger students

Cones

40 cones

Different colours for different purposes (boundary, try line, etc.)

Alternative: Markers or painted lines

Bibs

30 bibs in multiple colours

Enough for 6 teams of 5 players

Alternative: Coloured bands or team shirts

Scorecards

Tournament fixture sheets

Pre-prepared tournament brackets and score sheets

Alternative: Whiteboard for recording scores

Whistles

3 whistles

For student referees and teacher supervision

Alternative: Verbal signals

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition involving multiple teams playing against each other to determine a winner

Round Robin

A tournament format where every team plays against every other team

Tactics

Planned strategies used by a team to gain advantage during a game

Formation

The way players position themselves on the field for attacking or defending

Referee

The person who enforces the rules and makes decisions during a game

Offside

Being in an illegal position ahead of the ball when your team doesn't have possession

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tag rugby rules and scoring system
Fundamental passing, catching and tagging techniques
Simple attacking moves and defensive positioning
Understanding of offside and restart procedures

Current Skills

Applying skills under competitive pressure
Advanced tactical decision-making during matches
Leadership and team organisation skills
Fair play and officiating abilities

Next Steps

Transition to more complex invasion games
Advanced tactical analysis and game planning
Leadership roles in inter-school competitions
Understanding of advanced rugby union concepts

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rule application without reminders

Evidence of tactical thinking during games

Ability to adapt strategy based on game situation

Demonstration of leadership and fair play

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise learning and improvement over winning at all costs
Develop tactical thinking through planned team discussions and adaptations
Build leadership skills through captain and referee roles
Maintain high standards of sportsmanship throughout competitive play
Celebrate effort, teamwork, and fair play alongside achievement
Use tournament pressure to develop resilience and character
Apply tag rugby skills and rules consistently across all matches

Common Misconceptions

Thinking only winning teams have been successful - emphasise learning and improvement
Believing tactics don't matter in tag rugby - show how strategy affects outcomes
Assuming referees should favour friends - reinforce impartial officiating standards
Thinking individual brilliance matters more than teamwork - highlight collective success
Believing pressure excuses poor behaviour - maintain behaviour expectations throughout

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Provide specific roles and responsibilities, allow movement breaks between matches, give clear, short tactical instructions

dyspraxia

Simplify tactical instructions, allow extra time for skill execution, provide patient teammates and supportive officiating

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament structure and schedule, allow quiet zones for breaks, use visual cards for tactical planning

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of tactics and formations, assign supportive teammates as guides during play

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for tactical communication, ensure written instruction cards available, position close to teacher for demonstrations

physical disability

Modify tagging rules for reduced mobility, allow wheelchair participation with adapted boundaries, consider alternative roles like coaching or statistics

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during team tactics discussions, vocabulary development through officiating, presenting reflection feedback to teams

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, statistics and data recording, time management across multiple matches, calculating win/draw/loss percentages

Science

Understanding fatigue and recovery during sustained physical activity, heart rate changes during competitive play

PSHE

Leadership development, managing emotions under pressure, conflict resolution, celebrating others' achievements, resilience in defeat

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location allowing supervision of all matches, moving between pitches to provide support and monitor safety

Observation Focus

Tactical application, fair play, officiating accuracy, individual student welfare and engagement

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, referee disputes, emotional distress, or when students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Model positive competitive behaviour, demonstrate tactical adjustments, show support for all participants regardless of results

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your tactics!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Respect the referee's decision!'
•'Great sportsmanship!'
•'Think about your next move!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple playing areas each minimum 20m x 30m, clear separation between pitches, adequate space for spectators and officials

Surface Check

Dry, even grass or indoor surface free from hazards, clearly marked boundaries for each pitch

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all tag belts are secure and in good condition
•Ensure tags are properly attached and easy to remove
•Verify rugby balls are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Confirm cones are stable and have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during intense competitive play
•Over-exertion during sustained tournament activity
•Emotional distress from competitive pressure or disappointing results
•Disputes with referees or between teams

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each playing area
•Regular hydration breaks between rounds
•Teacher supervision of all matches with intervention protocols
•Pre-established fair play expectations and conflict resolution procedures
•Emotional support available for students struggling with competition

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all matches simultaneously
•Rotate between pitches to provide guidance and ensure safety
•Monitor officiating students for confidence and accuracy
•Watch for signs of fatigue or over-exertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other matches continue safely with remaining supervision