Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can referee a game fairly and also rotate around playing positions to enable everyone to experience all roles.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: a short, sharp blast on the whistle with good volume is generated by blowing out forcefully.
      2. Think: choosing when to play advantage and when to blow up for a foul requires quick critical thinking.
      3. Feel: reversing your officiating decision based on player reactions or pressure makes future decision making very hard.
      4. Connect: open and proactive communication helps members of both teams understand and react well to decisions.

      Keywords

      • Referee - official in charge of enforcing the rules of the game, responsible for making decisions to ensure fair play

      • Decisive - having the ability to make clear, firm and quick decisions without hesitation

      • Review - carefully examining and evaluating strengths and areas for improvement

      Common misconception

      Pupils may lack confidence when officiating and fear making incorrect decisions. They may also struggle with peer pressure and be tempted to change their decisions.

      Encourage pupils to make clear, firm decisions and remind them that mistakes are part of learning. Teach referees to stand by their decisions and use short, clear explanations. Also ensure the players are respectful of those decisions.

      Teacher tip

      It is useful to provide pupils with additional materials outlining some basic rules to follow when officiating. Also consider allowing pupils to referee in pairs to begin with to help develop their confidence.

      Equipment

      1 ball between 8, approx 10 cones, bibs

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What part of the foot is most commonly used to take a penalty kick?

      toe
      Correct answer: instep
      heel

      Q2.
      What type of pass would you use to lift the ball over a defender or goalkeeper

      short pass
      backheel
      Correct answer: chip

      Q3.
      Which of the following is most useful when you are refereeing a football match?

      Correct answer: respect
      argumentative
      leadership

      Q4.
      If the opposing team is compact on one side of the pitch, what should you do?

      Correct answer: switch play
      run towards them
      pass backwards

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which component of fitness would help you best when trying to change direction at speed to get away from a defender?

      Correct Answer: agility

      Q2.
      What attribute is useful when officiating to ensure that both teams understand and react well to the decisions you make?

      persuasiveness
      Correct answer: communication
      favouritism

      Q3.
      What are you demonstrating when you make the correct officiating decision and you stick with it even though your peers are unhappy with your decision?

      inconsistency
      bias
      Correct answer: resilience

      Q4.
      What do you require when choosing whether to play advantage and when to blow up for a foul?

      Correct answer: critical thinking
      help from players
      a loud voice

      To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Officiating your own games, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...