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Lesson 6 - Dodgeball Tournament

Strategic Foundations

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Year 8

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

Can you compete against others effectively while demonstrating the school games values?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate understanding and interpretation of the rules and accept decisions given
Compete effectively against others using skills developed throughout the unit
Officiate games competently and fairly

Key Outcomes

Students will compete in a tournament format demonstrating improved dodgeball skills
Students will officiate games fairly and accurately applying official rules
Students will evaluate their own and others' performances constructively

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

12-15 (foam or rubber)

Equal numbers placed on centre line for each court

Alternative: Soft playground balls, bean bags for modified versions

Cones

22 for court boundaries

Mark clear boundaries for two courts 20m x 10m each

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, existing court markings

Whistles

5 (one per team for officiating)

Distribute to officiating teams before each game

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals only

Score Sheets

5 copies of tournament bracket

Display where all teams can see current standings

Alternative: Whiteboard, flip chart paper

Certificates and Awards

30+ for recognition

Prepare various categories beyond just winning team

Alternative: Verbal praise, house points, stickers

Key Vocabulary

Competition

A contest between teams or individuals to determine superiority in a particular activity

Tournament

A series of games played to determine an overall winner

Evaluation

The process of assessing performance and identifying strengths and areas for improvement

Performance Analysis

Systematic observation and assessment of skills, tactics and behaviours during competition

School Games Values

Core principles including passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork

Sportsmanship

Fair, generous and gracious behaviour especially when competing

Officiating

Acting as a referee or umpire to enforce rules and ensure fair play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Understanding of basic dodgeball rules and techniques
Experience with throwing, catching and dodging skills
Knowledge of game tactics and strategies

Current Skills

Applying skills under competitive pressure
Officiating games accurately and fairly
Evaluating performance and providing constructive feedback

Next Steps

Advanced tactical awareness in competitive situations
Leadership and coaching skills development
Community sport participation and club involvement

Milestone Indicators

Consistent application of techniques during competition

Fair and accurate officiating decisions

Constructive feedback given to teammates and opponents

Key Teaching Points

Maintain fair play standards even during competitive pressure
Officiating is a crucial skill that requires respect and support
School games values are more important than winning or losing
Constructive feedback helps everyone improve and learn
Competition should bring out the best in sporting character
Skills learned in PE transfer to life beyond school
Every student can contribute to team success in different ways

Common Misconceptions

Winning is more important than fair play - emphasise values over results
Officials are enemies to argue with - teach respect and acceptance of decisions
Competition means being mean to opponents - model positive competitive spirit
Only the best players matter in teams - highlight different contributions and roles
PE skills don't matter outside school - connect to lifelong activity and community opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent rotation of roles, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Simplified officiating roles initially, extra practice time for skill application, supportive team placement

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure displayed visually, quiet zone available, consistent routine and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, audible cues for game boundaries, buddy system for officiating support

hearing impairment

Visual officiating signals clearly displayed, written tournament bracket, vibrant hand signals from teacher

physical disability

Seated dodgeball version, modified throwing distances, alternative officiating roles, adapted equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills through officiating, constructive feedback vocabulary, evaluation and analysis language

Maths

Tournament brackets and probability, scoring systems, time management and game duration calculations

Citizenship

Fair play principles, democracy through rule acceptance, leadership and responsibility roles

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience in competition, emotional regulation under pressure, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between courts allowing observation of both games and officiating teams

Observation Focus

Monitor skill application under pressure, fair play demonstration, quality of officiating decisions, safety throughout

Intervention Points

["Step in if officiating decisions disputed repeatedly", "Intervene if competitive behaviour becomes unsporting", "Support struggling officials with guidance", "Celebrate excellent examples of school games values immediately"]

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent sportsmanship continuously, demonstrate correct officiating signals, show how to give constructive feedback

Verbal Cues

•'Fair decision, play on!'
•'Great example of respect there!'
•'Officials, clear and confident decisions!'
•'That's what determination looks like!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor area minimum 40m x 20m for two courts with safety margins

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry conditions, clear of obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Use appropriate soft dodgeballs - foam or low-pressure rubber
•Check balls for damage or excessive wear before use
•Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp edges
•Whistles cleaned between users

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face/head area
•Collisions between players during dodging
•Trips and falls during rapid movement
•Over-competitive behaviour leading to unsafe play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about throwing below shoulder height
•Adequate court boundaries with safety zones
•No aiming for head deliberately
•Teacher monitoring of competitive intensity
•Immediate stop signals when needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between courts for visibility of both games
•Monitor officiating teams for safety rule enforcement
•Watch for fatigue affecting safe play
•Intervene quickly if competitive spirit becomes unsafe

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact medical support if needed