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Lesson 8 - Officiating & Teamwork

Multi-Discipline Mastery

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Year 6

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work as a team to create a fair and accurate athletics competition?

Learning Objectives

To work collaboratively in a team to develop the officiating skills of measuring, timing and recording
To demonstrate accurate timing, measuring and recording techniques in athletic events
To understand the importance of fair play and honest officiating in competitive sport

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully officiate at least two athletic events using accurate measuring and timing techniques
Students will work collaboratively in squads, sharing roles and responsibilities fairly
Students will demonstrate understanding of athletic event rules and safety procedures

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Distributed across different event stations for marking boundaries and distances

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines for boundaries

Discus

At discus station with clear throwing area marked

Alternative: Foam discus, flying discs for safety

Hurdles

Spaced 5m apart on 25m hurdles course

Alternative: Foam hurdles, cones with poles for lower ability

Light Shot Put

At shot put station with throwing line clearly marked

Alternative: Bean bags, soft medicine balls

Pencils

One per event station for recording results

Alternative: Pens, clipboards with attached pencils

Stopwatch

At timed event stations (sprint, hurdles, long distance)

Alternative: Smartphone timer apps, large display stopwatches

Tape Measure

At field events for measuring throws and jumps

Alternative: Trundle wheels, pre-measured rope markers

Clues Document

6 copies

One instruction sheet at each event station

Alternative: Laminated instruction cards

Score Sheets

30 (one per student)

Distributed to all students at start of lesson

Alternative: Digital recording sheets on tablets

Key Vocabulary

Officiate

To act as an official in a sports event, ensuring rules are followed and recording results accurately

Athletic Meet

A competition where athletes compete in multiple track and field events

Squad

A small team of athletes who work together and compete for combined points

Personal Best

An individual's best performance in a particular event

Track and Field

Athletic events that include running (track) and jumping/throwing (field) competitions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of athletic events from previous units
Experience of participating in individual athletic activities
Basic teamwork and communication skills

Current Skills

Collaborative planning and decision-making in athletic contexts
Accurate measuring, timing and recording techniques
Understanding of officiating roles and responsibilities

Next Steps

Leading school sports day events as officials
Mentoring younger students in athletic activities
Advanced competitive athletics with complex scoring systems

Milestone Indicators

Consistently accurate timing within 0.5 seconds

Measuring distances to nearest centimetre

Fair and honest officiating without teacher intervention

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise accuracy and honesty in all officiating roles
Ensure equal participation opportunities within squads
Connect athletic performance to personal improvement rather than just winning
Model and expect fair play and sportsmanship throughout
Use specific, positive language when recognising achievements
Maintain safety vigilance especially during throwing events
Encourage collaborative decision-making within squads

Common Misconceptions

Students may think winning is more important than fair officiating
Some may believe only fast/strong students can contribute to athletics
Students might think officiating is less important than competing
May assume that personal best only means fastest or furthest
Could think that pointing out errors in officiating is being negative

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter event rotations, clear role definitions, regular movement between different types of activity

dyspraxia

Simplified equipment handling, extra practice time for officiating skills, peer support for complex measurements

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual timetables for event rotation, quiet zones available during intense activity

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for officiating support

hearing impairment

Visual start signals for races, written instruction cards at stations, clear visual demonstrations

physical disability

Modified distances and heights, alternative throwing implements, seated officiating roles where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication during officiating, recording results accurately, giving constructive feedback

Maths

Measuring distances in metres and centimetres, recording and comparing times, calculating team scores

Science

Understanding forces in throwing events, measuring speed and distance, recording and analysing data

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, fair play and honesty, resilience and determination in competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between event stations, spending extra time at throwing events for safety monitoring

Observation Focus

Watch for accurate officiating techniques, fair play, and effective squad collaboration

Intervention Points

Step in if officiating accuracy drops significantly or safety procedures are not followed

Demonstration Notes

Model precise officiating techniques and emphasise the importance of accuracy and fairness in competitive athletics

Verbal Cues

•'Measure to the nearest point to the start line'
•'Check the area is clear before throwing'
•'Remember to record everyone's best attempt'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large teaching area 40m x 60m minimum, with clear zones for each event station

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface suitable for running and throwing activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all throwing implements for cracks or damage
•Ensure hurdles are stable and appropriate height
•Verify stopwatches are working accurately

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running events
•Injury from throwing implements
•Fatigue from sustained physical activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear safety zones marked around throwing events
•Designated collection times for throwing implements
•Regular hydration breaks during extended activity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position teacher to observe throwing events closely
•Monitor student fatigue levels throughout activities
•Ensure clear communication between event officials

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activities immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, and contact school emergency procedures if needed