New
New
Year 7

Officiating games

I can apply the rules of futsal to play a full game without teacher intervention.

New
New
Year 7

Officiating games

I can apply the rules of futsal to play a full game without teacher intervention.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: clear arm signals are given when refereeing to ensure players can see the decision.
  2. Think: players have 4 seconds to restart play from kick-ins, free kicks, goal clearances and corner kicks.
  3. Feel: determination and focus are required regardless of role (player or official) to perform at your best.
  4. Connect: it is essential to avoid bias by always treating players fairly rather than giving favouritism to your friends.

Keywords

  • Role - the specific function or responsibility that a player takes on during a game, e.g. referee or manager

  • Bias - unfair judgment or decision-making by a referee, where their personal opinions impact their ability to make accurate decisions

  • Foul - an unfair act by a player that contravenes the game's laws

Common misconception

Pupils may lack the confidence to officiate a game and may struggle to take control of the game. They may be biased towards certain teams depending on who they are friends with.

Create a safe, encouraging environment where pupils know it is acceptable to make mistakes when refereeing Reward referees when they handle challenges made towards their decision making. Ensure pupils are respecting one another's decisions.


To help you plan your year 7 physical education lesson on: Officiating games, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Try to differentiate even with the role of a referee, e.g. some pupils could start with the very basic rules and gradually build their confidence in introducing more rules or work in pairs. Teach the most critical refereeing actions first such as signalling fouls and stopping/restarting play.
Teacher tip

Equipment

a small ball with reduced bounce (size 3 ideally) per pupil, approx 50 cones of various colours, bibs, whistles

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following attributes helps you the most when refereeing?

strength
arrogance
Correct answer: confidence

Q2.
A penalty kick is awarded after a team makes how many fouls in a game?

Correct answer: 5
6
7

Q3.
Which of the following skills can be used to turn in futsal?

through ball
volley
Correct answer: Cryuff

Q4.
If you make unfair and inaccurate decisions as a referee, what could you be guilty of?

fairness
Correct answer: bias
good decision-making

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
If we avoid bias and apply the rules consistently for both teams, what are we demonstrating?

fierceness
Correct answer: fairness
flexibility

Q2.
How many seconds do players have to restart the game when taking a kick in?

Correct Answer: 4, four

Q3.
As well as good voice projection and use of a whistle, what else can you use to help you when refereeing a game?

Correct answer: arm signals
head actions
demonstrations

Q4.
In futsal, who are players not allowed to pass to when they are attacking?

Correct answer: the goalkeeper
the defenders
the attackers

Additional material

Download additional material