Lesson 2 - Officiating Skills
Mastery in Individual & Team Play
•Year 6
•Football
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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
One ball per game, spares ready for quick replacement
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, training balls
4 corner cones per pitch, additional for goal areas
Alternative: Markers, corner flags
Position goals 15m apart on each mini pitch
Alternative: Portable goals, cone goals 2m wide
5 bibs per team for clear identification
Alternative: Coloured shirts, team bands
One whistle per game for officiating students
Alternative: Hand signals only for quieter games
Optional for advanced officiating practice
Alternative: Paper cards, verbal warnings
Key Vocabulary
Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule application during games
Method of restarting play when ball goes out over the sideline
Restart when ball goes out over goal line last touched by defending team
Restart when ball goes out over goal line last touched by attacking team
Restart awarded after a foul, taken from where infringement occurred
Direct free kick awarded for foul committed inside penalty area
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
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