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Lesson 6 - Tag Rugby Tournament

Mastering Attack & Defence

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Year 6

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Tag Rugby

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Big Question

How can we apply our tag rugby skills and tactics to win competitive matches whilst demonstrating excellent sportsmanship?

Learning Objectives

To apply knowledge and understanding of tag rugby in a competitive tournament format
To demonstrate tactical awareness in both attacking and defensive situations
To develop leadership skills through officiating and team management

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply attacking and defensive tactics in match situations
Students will demonstrate leadership skills by organising and officiating games
Students will evaluate team performance and suggest tactical improvements

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Two different colours available for each team

Alternative: Bibs tucked into waistbands, velcro strips

Rugby Balls

4-6 balls

Check inflation and condition before lesson

Alternative: Size 3 or 4 rugby balls, foam rugby balls

Cones

20-30 cones

For marking pitch boundaries and try lines

Alternative: Markers, spots, corner flags

Stopwatch

2-3 watches

For timing matches and breaks

Alternative: Phone timers, wall clock

Score Sheets

7 sheets

Pre-prepared with team names and fixture list

Alternative: Whiteboard, digital scoring app

Whistles

4-6 whistles

For student referees to control matches

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition involving multiple teams playing matches against each other

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to gain advantage in attack or defence

Formation

The arrangement of players on the field for attacking or defensive play

Officiating

Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and implement game rules

Bonus Point

Extra points awarded for achieving specific performance criteria

Evaluation

Assessing team performance to identify strengths and areas for improvement

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic tag rugby rules and safety procedures
Fundamental passing and catching techniques
Understanding of attacking and defensive principles
Experience of small-sided tag rugby games

Current Skills

Apply tactics in competitive match situations
Demonstrate leadership through officiating
Evaluate and improve team performance
Show sportsmanship in competitive settings

Next Steps

Advanced tactical variations and set plays
Coaching and mentoring younger students
Tournament organisation and management
Cross-curricular links with sports science

Milestone Indicators

Consistent application of learned tactics in matches

Confident officiating with fair and accurate decisions

Effective communication and leadership during games

Positive sportsmanship regardless of match results

Key Teaching Points

Tournament structure provides authentic competitive context for skill application
Officiating roles develop leadership, decision-making and understanding of fair play
Bonus point system encourages positive play rather than negative tactics
Sportsmanship and respect are as important as tactical success
Reflection and evaluation help consolidate learning from competitive experiences
Mixed-team interactions during cool-down promote broader social learning
Assessment opportunities occur naturally throughout competitive match situations

Common Misconceptions

That winning is the only measure of success - address by celebrating effort, improvement and sportsmanship equally
That referees should favour their friends - emphasise fairness and integrity in officiating roles
That tactics don't matter in small games - demonstrate how formations and strategies are crucial even in 7v7 format
That competition always leads to negative behaviour - show how proper structure and values create positive competitive experiences
That less skilled players can't contribute to team success - highlight various ways all students can add value through encouragement, positioning and effort

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tournament into shorter, focused segments, provide specific roles and responsibilities, use clear and immediate feedback for positive behaviours

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls if coordination is challenging, provide additional support for tag belt management, allow extra thinking time for tactical decisions

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament structure with visual schedules, offer quiet space for breaks if overwhelmed, use consistent referee signals and procedures

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tag belts and balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of match situations, assign sighted partners for support during activities

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals alongside whistles, ensure face-to-face communication with referees, provide written tournament rules and fixture lists

physical disability

Adapt rules for wheelchair users or those with mobility aids, modify pitch sizes if needed, create appropriate competitive roles for all abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in leadership and officiating, vocabulary development through tactical discussions, report writing on tournament performance

Maths

Tournament scoring calculations, statistics tracking, time management during matches, league table mathematics

Computing

Score recording systems, data analysis of tournament results, digital presentation of achievements

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork under pressure, managing emotions during competition, respect for others, leadership responsibilities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between both playing areas to observe matches and support referees, maintain overview of all activities

Observation Focus

Monitor tactical application, officiating quality, competitive intensity, and sportsmanship throughout tournament

Intervention Points

Step in if referee decisions need support, if competitive behaviour becomes inappropriate, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Model appropriate celebration of success, demonstrate gracious acceptance of results, show support for all participants regardless of tournament outcomes

Verbal Cues

•'Great tactical thinking!' to reinforce good decision-making
•'Brilliant sportsmanship!' to highlight fair play
•'Referees, trust your decisions!' to build officiating confidence
•'Reset and go again!' after mistakes to maintain positive focus

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two playing areas minimum 30m x 20m each, clear of obstacles with adequate buffer zones

Surface Check

Firm, even surface free from holes, debris or hazards, appropriate for running and quick directional changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tag belts are not damaged or worn
•Ensure rugby balls are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Verify whistles are clean and functioning properly
•Confirm all cones are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive intensity
•Fatigue-related injuries during extended tournament play
•Emotional distress from competitive pressure or results
•Tag belt injuries from rough pulling or catching

Risk Mitigation

•Clear playing area boundaries established and maintained
•Regular monitoring of competitive intensity and player welfare
•Adequate rest periods between matches to prevent fatigue
•Strong emphasis on sportsmanship and respectful play
•Proper tag belt wearing and removal techniques reinforced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe both playing areas simultaneously
•Monitor referee performance and support when needed
•Watch for signs of fatigue or emotional distress
•Ensure smooth transitions between matches

Emergency Procedures

Immediate first aid available, clear evacuation routes established, emergency contact information accessible