⚽

Lesson 2 - Officiating Skills

Mastery in Individual & Team Play

•

Year 6

•

Football

•

Big Question

How can we demonstrate mastery of football skills while applying the laws of the game through effective officiating?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate understanding of football rules and apply knowledge in mini games
To demonstrate refined passing, dribbling and moving skills to create attacking opportunities
To develop officiating skills through practical refereeing experience

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate fluent application of football skills in game situations
Students will officiate games applying correct rules and maintaining fair play
Students will create and execute attacking strategies through effective decision-making

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 5 students (6 total)

One ball per game, spares ready for quick replacement

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, training balls

Cones

24 cones

4 corner cones per pitch, additional for goal areas

Alternative: Markers, corner flags

Goals

6 goals (3 sets)

Position goals 15m apart on each mini pitch

Alternative: Portable goals, cone goals 2m wide

Bibs

15 bibs in 3 colours

5 bibs per team for clear identification

Alternative: Coloured shirts, team bands

Whistles

3 whistles

One whistle per game for officiating students

Alternative: Hand signals only for quieter games

Cards

6 cards (3 yellow, 3 red)

Optional for advanced officiating practice

Alternative: Paper cards, verbal warnings

Key Vocabulary

Officiating

Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule application during games

Throw-in

Method of restarting play when ball goes out over the sideline

Corner kick

Restart when ball goes out over goal line last touched by defending team

Goal kick

Restart when ball goes out over goal line last touched by attacking team

Free kick

Restart awarded after a foul, taken from where infringement occurred

Penalty

Direct free kick awarded for foul committed inside penalty area

Fluidity

Smooth, coordinated movement and passing that flows naturally

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and receiving techniques
Fundamental dribbling and ball control
Understanding of basic football rules
Experience in small-sided games

Current Skills

Refined passing accuracy and timing
Advanced dribbling in pressure situations
Comprehensive rule application
Officiating and leadership skills

Next Steps

Advanced tactical awareness in 11v11 games
Specialised position play and formations
Complex officiating scenarios and conflict resolution
Tournament organisation and management

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate passing under pressure

Confident rule application without hesitation

Leadership demonstrated through effective officiating

Fluid movement patterns creating scoring opportunities

Key Teaching Points

Referee decisions must be respected at all times - this builds character and sportsmanship
Officiating develops leadership skills that transfer beyond sport into life situations
Quality football comes from teamwork and decision-making, not individual skill alone
Confidence in officiating grows through practice and positive support from peers
Rules exist to make games fair and enjoyable for everyone involved
The best players support their referees and help maintain positive game atmosphere
Learning to officiate helps players understand the game more deeply and completely

Common Misconceptions

Only the strongest players can be good referees - actually, understanding and confidence matter most
Referees can change their decisions if players complain - decisions should be final and consistent
Good players don't need to learn officiating - understanding rules makes better players
Officiating is easier than playing - both require skill, concentration and confidence
Rules are meant to stop fun - rules actually make games more enjoyable and fair for everyone

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear structure with regular movement breaks, offer multiple roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter equipment where appropriate, reduce complexity of movement patterns, provide extra practice time for skills

autism spectrum

Establish clear routines for game rotations, provide quiet observation opportunities, prepare for sensory breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of game situations, implement buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for referee decisions, provide written rule cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Modify game to seated or limited mobility version, adjust rules for wheelchair users, provide alternative officiating roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, clear communication as referee, persuasive arguments in rule discussions

Maths

Calculating game scores, measuring pitch dimensions, timing game segments, analysing performance statistics

Science

Understanding forces in kicking and passing, exploring balance and coordination, examining heart rate changes during exercise

Geography

Mapping movement patterns on pitch, understanding spatial awareness, exploring football's global reach

History

Development of football rules over time, famous officials in sport history, evolution of sporting equipment

PSHE

Leadership through officiating, managing emotions under pressure, building resilience through challenge

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location between three mini pitches for optimal visibility and quick intervention access

Observation Focus

Balance between skill application, officiating development, and positive behaviour maintenance

Intervention Points

Step in if referee decisions disputed, safety concerns arise, or students need encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Model respect for official decisions, demonstrate clear referee signals, emphasise positive sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Respect the referee!'
•'Show me that passing combination!'
•'Confident decisions, referee!'
•'Beautiful football!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for three mini pitches, clear of obstacles and safe boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure goals are stable and secure with no sharp edges
•Verify cones are visible and positioned safely away from play areas
•Whistles clean and functioning properly

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during fast-paced games
•Trips and falls during direction changes
•Ball strikes to face or body during games
•Overexertion during competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each mini pitch
•Adequate spacing between games to prevent overlap
•Progressive skill building before full game situations
•Referee positioned for optimal visibility and control
•Regular breaks built into lesson structure

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all three games simultaneously
•Monitor referee confidence and decision-making quality
•Watch for signs of frustration or poor sportsmanship
•Ensure equal participation opportunities

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required