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Lesson 6 - Sports Day Competition Organisation and Leadership

Competitive Athletics: From Personal Excellence to Sports Leadership

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Year 6

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Athletics

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1h 22min

Big Question

How can we organise and lead a successful sports day that celebrates everyone's athletic achievements?

Learning Objectives

To apply athletic skills learned throughout the unit in competitive situations
To demonstrate leadership and organisational skills during sports day events
To understand and implement fair scoring systems and event management

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully organise and participate in a range of athletic events
Students will demonstrate leadership skills as officials, timekeepers and scorers
Students will apply learned techniques in competitive scenarios with confidence

Equipment & Resources Required

Stopwatch

8-10

One per event station plus spares for officials

Alternative: Mobile phone timer apps, digital watches

Measuring Tapes

50m tape for long jump, 30m for throwing events

Alternative: Marked measuring sticks for consistency

Cones

50+

Mark event areas, start/finish lines, safety zones

Alternative: Rope and stakes for boundaries

Score Sheets

30+

One per event station plus master sheets

Alternative: Digital scoring apps, whiteboards

PE Equipment

As per previous lessons

Javelins, shot puts, hurdles, relay batons as required

Alternative: Modified equipment for safety

First Aid Kit

One central kit plus mobile kit for officials

Alternative: Trained first aider on site

Tunnel Systems

For announcements, race starts, results

Alternative: Megaphone, loud voice

Numbered Papers

Weather-resistant materials for outdoor use

Alternative: Tablet devices for recording

Key Vocabulary

Carousel Structure

A system where groups rotate through different athletic events at timed intervals

House System

School teams that compete against each other across different year groups

Event Official

A person responsible for managing rules, timing and scoring at an athletic event

Elite Events

Special races for the fastest students from each house to compete directly

Scoring System

Method for awarding points: Gold (3 points), Silver (2 points), Bronze (1 point)

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students have practiced throwing techniques including javelin, shot put and discus
Students have developed jumping skills in long jump, high jump and triple jump
Students have refined running techniques for sprints, middle distance and relays

Current Skills

Applying athletic techniques under competitive pressure
Managing and organising athletic events
Leading and supporting teammates during competition

Next Steps

Transition to secondary school athletics competitions
Development of specialised athletic techniques
Advanced coaching and leadership responsibilities

Milestone Indicators

Students consistently apply proper technique during competition

Students demonstrate confident leadership during event management

Students show resilience and determination when facing challenges

Key Teaching Points

Sports day is celebration of athletic development achieved throughout the year
Every participant contributes to their house success regardless of placing
Officiating is as important as competing for fair and successful competition
Good sportsmanship means supporting all participants not just teammates
Competition should inspire personal best efforts within proper technique
Leadership opportunities exist for students in many different roles throughout the day
Athletics skills developed transfer to many other sports and lifelong physical activity

Common Misconceptions

Only winning individual events matters for house success (point accumulation system rewards all placings)
Sports day is only for naturally athletic students (everyone contributes through competing, officiating, and supporting)
Technique becomes less important during competition (maintaining form is crucial for safety and performance)
Officials have less important role than competitors (fair officiating is essential for meaningful competition)
Sports day is separate from regular PE learning (it's culmination and application of developed skills)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, clear short-term goals, immediate feedback on performance, variety in roles throughout day

dyspraxia

Simplified official duties, additional practice time, modified equipment where appropriate, peer support for complex tasks

autism spectrum

Clear schedule with timings, quiet retreat area available, consistent routines, visual supports for understanding competition format

visual impairment

Audio descriptions of events, tactile markers for boundaries, buddy system with sighted guide, modified scoring systems with audio feedback

hearing impairment

Visual start signals, written instructions, sign language interpreter available, visual scoring displays throughout

physical disability

Modified events with appropriate equipment, wheelchair races, seated throwing events, adapted measuring systems

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Report writing about sports day experiences, interviewing participants, creating team chants and presentations

Maths

Calculating scores, measuring distances, timing events, analysing performance data, creating graphs of results

Science

Understanding forces in throwing events, energy systems during running, biomechanics of jumping techniques

Art

Designing house banners, creating medals and certificates, photographing and recording memorable moments

Geography

Mapping event layouts, understanding wind effects on performance, planning optimal field arrangements

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork skills, resilience building, celebrating diversity in achievement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Mobile supervision between all event stations with clear communication to stationed supervisors

Observation Focus

Monitor competitive intensity for safety, check officiating accuracy, ensure inclusion of all participants

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, resolve scoring disputes, support students showing disappointment

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent sportsmanship, show enthusiasm for all achievements, demonstrate proper event procedures when needed

Verbal Cues

•'Technique first, distance second!'
•'Great effort from everyone!'
•'Officials, stay focused on fairness!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple event areas: 60m sprint track, long jump pit, shot put circle (15m radius), hurdle track (30m), central presentation area

Surface Check

All event areas checked for hazards, appropriate surfaces for each discipline, weather contingency plans activated

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All throwing implements checked for damage and proper weight
•Timing equipment tested and backup systems ready
•First aid equipment positioned at multiple locations

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision risks with multiple simultaneous events
•Throwing event safety with spectators nearby
•Overexertion in competitive environment
•Crowd control during elite events

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries between all event areas with marshals
•Throwing events positioned away from spectator areas
•Regular hydration breaks and monitoring for overheating
•Designated spectator areas with clear sightlines and safety barriers

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Adult supervisor at each event station throughout day
•Roving safety marshal monitoring transitions and crowd areas
•First aid trained personnel strategically positioned

Emergency Procedures

Immediate event stop procedures, clear evacuation routes, communication system for emergencies, medical personnel on-site