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Lesson 5 - Officiating Skills

Dodgeball Fundamentals

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Year 7

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

How can tactical thinking and fair officiating transform the way we play and understand sport?

Learning Objectives

Develop tactical awareness through structured gameplay and strategic thinking
Demonstrate effective officiating skills with confidence and fairness
Work collaboratively to implement team tactics and respect decisions

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully execute at least 3 different tactical approaches during gameplay
Students will officiate games fairly while making clear, confident decisions
Students will demonstrate improved teamwork through communication and mutual respect

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

12-15 balls

Distributed evenly along centre line at start of each game

Alternative: Foam balls, volleyball-sized rubber balls

Dish Cones

16-20 cones

Mark clear court boundaries and centre line

Alternative: Court markings, rope barriers

Whistles

4-6 whistles

One whistle per officiating student

Alternative: Hand signals only if whistles unavailable

Scorecards

2-3 boards

Positioned for easy visibility by all teams

Alternative: Paper and clipboards, digital scoring apps

Team bibs

30 bibs (2 colours)

Clearly distinguish teams during multiple games

Alternative: House shirts, coloured bands

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to gain advantages during gameplay

Quick Start

Tactical move to gain early advantage by coordinating fast collection and immediate throw

Shield

Defensive tactic using a ball to deflect incoming throws while protecting teammates

Number Attack

Coordinated offensive strategy targeting one opponent with multiple simultaneous throws

Malteaser

Deceptive tactic using one throw to distract while another player attacks

Kamikaze

High-risk attack involving crossing the centre line for closer range advantage

Officiating

Acting as referee to ensure fair play and enforce rules consistently

Consistent

Making the same decisions for similar situations throughout the game

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dodgeball rules and safety procedures
Fundamental throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of court boundaries and basic gameplay

Current Skills

Tactical thinking and strategic planning
Officiating skills and decision-making
Advanced teamwork and communication under pressure

Next Steps

Leadership in competitive sporting environments
Advanced tactical analysis and game reading
Mentoring and coaching skills development

Milestone Indicators

Students suggest tactical modifications mid-game

Students make officiating decisions without hesitation

Teams communicate effectively without teacher prompts

Key Teaching Points

Tactical success depends on clear communication and coordination between teammates
Effective officiating requires confidence, consistency, and fairness in all decisions
Respectful behaviour toward officials builds character and sportsmanship
Advanced tactics require practice and patience - celebrate attempts even when unsuccessful
Safety awareness must be maintained even during competitive and tactical gameplay
Leadership skills develop through both playing and officiating experiences
Communication skills learned in sport transfer directly to life situations

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Tactics are only for advanced players. Correction: Everyone can contribute to tactical success through good communication and positioning
Misconception: Officiating is easy and officials make mistakes on purpose. Correction: Officiating requires skill, concentration, and deserves respect
Misconception: Winning is more important than how you play. Correction: Character development and sportsmanship create lasting value beyond game results
Misconception: Complex tactics are always better than simple ones. Correction: The best tactic is the one executed successfully by the whole team
Misconception: Only team captains need to communicate. Correction: Every team member contributes to tactical success through communication

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Implement shorter tactical focus periods, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundary markers and structured rotation systems

dyspraxia

Simplify initial tactical movements, provide additional practice time, use larger equipment and reduced complexity versions

autism spectrum

Provide clear tactical routine cards, establish quiet zones for breaks, use visual schedules for lesson progression

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with sound devices, provide verbal descriptions of tactical positioning, implement buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Develop visual signal systems for tactics and officiating, use written tactical cards, ensure face-to-face communication during demonstrations

physical disability

Adapt tactics for seated play or limited mobility, modify throwing distances and techniques, create inclusive roles in officiating

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills development, vocabulary expansion with technical terms, descriptive language in tactical analysis

Maths

Numerical systems in Number Attack tactics, coordinate geometry in court positioning, statistics in game scoring and success rates

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectories, physics of deflection in Shield tactics, biomechanics of throwing techniques

Drama

Role-playing in officiating scenarios, confidence building through public decision-making, body language in leadership

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directional language, mapping court strategies and movement patterns

PSHE

Leadership development through officiating roles, conflict resolution through fair play, resilience in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during multiple games, position at corners for optimal visibility during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, communication quality, safety awareness, and respectful behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in when tactics become unsafe, when officiating needs support, or when team dynamics become negative

Demonstration Notes

Use students as volunteers frequently, exaggerate movements for visibility, model positive language throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your communication calls!'
•'Show respect for that decision!'
•'Great tactical thinking - now execute it!'
•'Safety first with that Kamikaze!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space for full court, additional space for multiple courts if available

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from hazards, adequate line markings for boundaries

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check dodgeballs are appropriate softness and proper inflation
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify whistles are clean and functioning properly

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or face
•Collisions during aggressive play
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
•Overexertion during intensive tactical games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about targeting below shoulders only
•Adequate spacing between courts and clear boundaries
•Progressive intensity building throughout lesson
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts simultaneously
•Monitor for overcompetitive behaviour affecting safety
•Watch particularly during Kamikaze tactic demonstrations and practice
•Ensure referees maintain safety awareness alongside rule enforcement

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal, assessment of injury, appropriate first aid response, clear evacuation routes identified