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Lesson 6 - Tournament Play and Self-Refereeing

Strategic Movement

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Year 9

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Ultimate Frisbee

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Big Question

How can we maintain the 'Spirit of the Game' whilst competing at our highest level in tournament play?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate improved game sense by keeping possession to score points effectively
Demonstrate knowledge of rules by self-refereeing matches with integrity and accuracy
Apply all skills learned throughout the unit in competitive tournament situations

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully compete in a sport education tournament format
Students will self-referee matches demonstrating understanding of Ultimate Frisbee rules
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness and decision-making under competitive pressure
Students will uphold the spirit of the game principles throughout tournament play

Equipment & Resources Required

Frisbees

7 (one per game area plus spares)

Check discs for cracks or damage before lesson; have spares available courtside

Alternative: Flying discs, training discs (175g regulation weight preferred)

Bibs

Sets for 5 teams (different colours)

Organised by team before tournament starts to minimise transition time

Alternative: Coloured bands, team pennies

Cones

40-50 (for marking end zones and boundaries)

Set up tournament pitches before students arrive with clearly marked end zones (10m x 20m playing areas recommended)

Alternative: Markers, witches hats, corner flags

Assessment Matrices

1 per student (printed or laminated)

Distributed to teams before tournament with clipboards and pens

Alternative: Digital assessment on tablets, peer assessment recording sheets

Scorecards

1 per match (or whiteboard)

Include space for match results and spirit of game scores

Alternative: Score sheets, digital scoring apps

Stopwatch

1 per court (or mobile phones)

Set for match durations (8-10 minute matches recommended)

Alternative: Visible countdown timer, whistle for time signals

First Aid Kit

1 accessible at courtside

Include ice packs for potential impacts from disc or collisions

Alternative: N/A - mandatory

Key Vocabulary

Spirit of the Game

A core principle of Ultimate Frisbee emphasising sportsmanship, fair play, and mutual respect, where players are responsible for their own conduct and rule enforcement

Self-Refereeing

Players are responsible for making their own foul calls and resolving disputes without external referees

Turnover

Loss of possession that occurs when a pass is incomplete, intercepted, goes out of bounds, or a violation occurs

Pivoting

Keeping one foot planted on the ground whilst moving the other foot to create passing angles

Split Vision

The ability to track both the disc and defensive players simultaneously to make effective offensive decisions

Stack Formation

An offensive formation where players line up vertically to create cutting lanes and organised movement patterns

Handler

A player positioned near the thrower who receives short passes to maintain possession and reset the stall count

Cutter

A player who makes runs to receive longer passes towards the end zone

Stall Count

The defender counts to 10 seconds whilst the thrower has possession; if reached, it results in a turnover

Force

A defensive strategy where the marker positions to make the thrower throw to one side of the field

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students have developed forehand and backhand throwing techniques
Students understand pivoting and maintaining possession rules
Students have practiced defensive shadow marking
Students have experienced small-sided games throughout the unit
Students understand the concept of 'Spirit of the Game'

Current Skills

Tournament play management and competitive performance
Self-refereeing and rule application under pressure
Advanced tactical decision-making in game situations
Leadership and communication in team contexts
Peer assessment using technical criteria

Next Steps

Participate in inter-school Ultimate Frisbee competitions
Develop advanced offensive and defensive strategies
Explore specialist positions and team formations
Apply leadership skills in other invasion games
Transition skills to other disc sports or invasion games

Milestone Indicators

Maintains possession for 5+ consecutive passes before scoring attempts

Correctly identifies and calls infractions during self-refereeing

Demonstrates split vision awareness during offensive play

Provides constructive peer feedback using assessment criteria

Shows resilience and sportsmanship when losing or facing adversity

Key Teaching Points

Spirit of Game is not optional - it's the foundation of Ultimate Frisbee and must be emphasised throughout
Self-refereeing develops integrity and responsibility beyond PE - celebrate honest foul calls even against oneself
Tournament structure must be crystal clear before starting - confusion ruins flow and causes frustration
Balance celebration of winners with validation of all students' progress throughout the unit
Monitor fatigue closely during tournament - competitive intensity can push students beyond safe limits
Spirit of Game scores are equally important as match scores - award ceremony structure reinforces this
Quality peer assessment requires clear criteria and specific evidence - generic 'good/bad' is insufficient

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Self-refereeing means no rules are enforced.' Correction: Explain that self-refereeing requires MORE integrity because you must call fouls against yourself honestly. Model this explicitly.
Misconception: 'Pivoting means I can move anywhere with one foot down.' Correction: Demonstrate that pivot foot must stay planted in exact location - only non-pivot foot moves in circle around it.
Misconception: 'Spirit of Game means letting opponents win.' Correction: Clarify that Spirit means competing hard while maintaining respect, honesty, and sportsmanship - not reducing competitive effort.
Misconception: 'The stall count is just a suggestion.' Correction: Emphasise that reaching 'stall 10' is a turnover - defenders must count at correct pace (one second per number).
Misconception: 'Winning the tournament is the only success.' Correction: Reinforce that skill development, teamwork, and Spirit of Game are equally valuable measures of success.
Misconception: 'Once the disc is thrown, I stop moving.' Correction: Teach that after passing, players should immediately move to new space to support next play - 'throw and move' principle.
Misconception: 'Assessment is just about throwing accuracy.' Correction: Explain Head/Hands/Heart framework showing that tactical understanding and sportsmanship are equally assessed.

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short, focused activities with frequent changes preventing boredom (3v3 assessment provides this). Clear, structured boundaries for playing areas providing concrete limits. Regular, specific feedback maintaining attention and motivation. Physical movement throughout lesson channels energy positively. Leadership roles (captain, scorekeeper) provide responsibility and focus. Break complex instructions into single steps. Visual and verbal instructions combined. Preferential positioning near teacher during explanations. Allow movement/fidgeting during cool-down discussions if needed.

dyspraxia

Larger, slower-flying frisbees easier to track and catch (softer foam discs available). Reduced complexity: focus on mastering forehand OR backhand not both. Simplified footwork: allow static throwing position without pivot requirement if needed. Extra practice time with skill repetition building motor memory. Demonstrate skills multiple times from different angles. Break down complex movements into smaller component parts practiced separately. Reduce playing area size minimising coordination demands. Allow errors without penalty during learning phase. Partner with supportive peer who can model and encourage.

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule showing lesson structure and timings to reduce anxiety about unknown. Consistent routines for warm-up, transitions, and cool-down. Quiet zone available if sensory overload occurs during tournament intensity. Provide written rules sheet as concrete reference point. Advanced warning of transitions ('Two minutes until next round'). Reduce sensory intensity if needed: quieter environment, smaller playing groups. Clear, literal language avoiding idioms or ambiguous phrases. Visual supports: diagrams of playing area, rules, and tactics.

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured frisbees with high contrast against playing surface (yellow/orange on green grass). Provide verbal cues for disc flight ('Disc coming left side, waist height'). Use brightly coloured cones to mark boundaries clearly. Buddy system pairing with sighted guide who can provide additional verbal information. Reduce playing area size to maintain proximity. Allow additional time to track and catch disc. Use audible discs with bells inside if available.

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations essential - show all skills, rules, and tactics rather than just verbal explanation. Use hand signals for key communications: point to indicate 'pass here', thumbs up for 'good play', stop signal for fouls. Provide written tournament fixtures and rules sheet. Position student where they can see teacher and peers' faces for lip-reading. Buddy system with peer who can use basic signs or gestures. Visual timer display so match duration visible not just audible whistle.

physical disability

Wheelchair Ultimate Frisbee adaptation: use wheelchair-accessible playing area, allow disc to be held on lap whilst wheeling, catching counts if disc trapped against body. Seated version for limited mobility: students sit on chairs/benches, smaller playing area, allow rolling disc along ground as alternative to throwing. Modified equipment: lighter/smaller discs for reduced upper body strength. Reduced playing area size minimising movement demands. Increase team size (4v4 or 5v5) reducing individual physical demands. Allow additional rest time between rounds.

social emotional mental health

Emphasise Spirit of Game principles creating psychologically safe environment. Clear, consistent behavioural expectations communicated at lesson start. Positive reinforcement focusing on effort and improvement not just outcomes. Provide leadership opportunities building self-esteem. Allow time-out option if emotional regulation needed. Buddy system with trusted peer support. Celebrate small successes frequently. Framework for resolving conflicts calmly (foul calling procedure provides this). Teacher check-ins during transitions monitoring emotional state. Emphasise personal progress over comparison to others.

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills: verbal cues during gameplay, tactical discussions, explaining rules to peers. Oracy: articulating tactical ideas, peer assessment feedback, and reflection discussions. Vocabulary development: technical terminology specific to Ultimate Frisbee. Debate: discussing disputed calls and rule interpretations.

Science

Forces and motion: analysing the physics of disc flight including lift, drag, and gravity. Trajectory: understanding optimal release angles for distance. Human biology: cardiovascular response to exercise, muscle groups used during throwing and catching, benefits of warm-up and cool-down. Aerodynamics: how disc shape creates flight.

Geography

Spatial awareness: understanding positioning on field, creating and exploiting space. Mapping: representing playing areas, end zones, and movement patterns diagrammatically. Directions: using directional language (left, right, forward, diagonal) during tactical instruction.

ICT

Digital scoring: using apps or spreadsheets for tournament management. Video analysis: recording matches for tactical review. Data presentation: creating graphs of tournament results and statistics. Research: investigating Ultimate Frisbee history, professional leagues, and international competitions.

Mathematics

Tournament scoring and standings calculation. Statistics: calculating pass completion percentages, success rates. Geometry: understanding angles of throw and optimal flight paths. Data handling: recording and presenting match results in tables and graphs. Problem-solving: fixture scheduling for round-robin format ensuring all teams play each other once.

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration: working effectively within sport education teams. Leadership development: team captains managing groups and resolving conflicts. Resilience: coping with competition pressure, disappointment, and setbacks. Integrity and honesty: self-refereeing requires strong moral character. Respect and sportsmanship: Spirit of Game principles develop empathy and fair play. Managing emotions: appropriate responses to winning and losing.

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at central point with 360-degree visibility of all tournament courts during matches. Position yourself at corner of quadrant if four courts running simultaneously. During 3v3 assessments, position at side of court with clear view of all players. During plenary, central position facing all seated students.

Observation Focus

During tournament: Watch for throwing accuracy under pressure, effective defensive positioning, honest self-refereeing, communication between teammates, and Spirit of Game maintenance. During 3v3 assessment: Focus on specific skills for assessment matrix - forehand/backhand accuracy, pivoting technique, shadow marking, and tactical awareness. During warm-up: Monitor safety, appropriate intensity, and full participation.

Intervention Points

Intervene immediately if: Unsafe play occurs (dangerous layout dives, excessive physical contact), self-refereeing completely breaks down requiring mediation, rules being consistently misunderstood causing game disruption, Spirit of Game being compromised by poor sportsmanship, signs of overexertion or injury. Minimal intervention during tournament to allow student autonomy, but don't hesitate if safety or fairness compromised.

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: During warm-up, show exaggerated safe tagging technique and proper star jump form. During 3v3 briefing, demonstrate establishing pivot foot, proper marking distance, and foul calling/resolution procedure. During cool-down, demonstrate each stretch with exaggerated correct form showing full range of motion. Use students as demonstration partners when possible to increase engagement.

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the disc into your hands!' - when catching technique poor
•'Establish your pivot foot!' - when travelling violations occurring
•'One disc distance!' - when defenders marking too closely
•'Find space!' - when offensive players bunching together
•'Communicate!' - when teams playing silently
•'Spirit of Game!' - when sportsmanship wavering
•'Call it honestly!' - when self-refereeing integrity questioned

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m total area required for multiple tournament courts. Each playing court 10m wide x 20m long with 3m end zones. Minimum 2m buffer between courts to prevent inter-court collisions.

Surface Check

Dry, flat, even surface free from hazards such as holes, debris, or water. Grass or sports hall surface suitable. Check for trip hazards before lesson begins.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all frisbees for cracks, chips, or sharp edges before use - discard damaged discs
•Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp edges or broken parts
•Bibs checked for tears that could cause entanglement
•First aid kit accessible courtside with ice packs for potential disc impacts
•Water bottles available and accessible throughout lesson

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dynamic play - particularly when multiple players pursuing disc
•Frisbee impacts to face or body - especially when players not watching flight path
•Slips, trips and falls during changes of direction, pivoting, or layout catches
•Overexertion and dehydration during intense tournament play
•Finger injuries from poor catching technique or contested catches
•Emotional distress from competitive pressure or disappointing results

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate buffer zones between courts
•Teach and reinforce safe catching technique throughout unit (two hands, watch disc into hands)
•Emphasise calling 'DISC!' when throwing to alert others to incoming frisbee
•Progressive skill building throughout unit prepares students for tournament intensity
•Regular hydration breaks mandatory, especially in warm weather
•Monitor fatigue levels - reduce match times if excessive tiredness evident
•Teach safe pivoting and change of direction technique to prevent ankle/knee injuries
•Spirit of Game principles reduce dangerous competitive behaviour
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all courts simultaneously
•Establish 'stop' signal (whistle) that immediately halts all play if safety concern arises

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally with 360-degree visibility of all tournament courts
•Rotate attention between courts every 20-30 seconds during simultaneous matches
•Monitor high-activity areas near end zones where congestion and collisions more likely
•Watch for dangerous play (layout dives near other students, contested catches with excessive force)
•Observe fatigue levels throughout tournament adjusting intensity if needed
•Identify students showing signs of overexertion (excessive breathing, dizziness, pale appearance)
•Monitor emotional responses to competition ensuring positive environment maintained

Emergency Procedures

If injury occurs: Stop play immediately with whistle. Assess injury severity. Provide appropriate first aid (ice for impacts, support for sprains). Contact school first aider or emergency services if serious injury. Complete accident report form. If minor injury, allow student to rest with ice/support before deciding on return to play. Never allow student with head injury, suspected fracture, or severe pain to continue participation.