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      Officiating your own small sided rounders games

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can set up a rounders pitch and officiate a game of rounders using agreed basic rules of rounders in a safe way.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: batting requires a combined swing and run motion, rather than waiting in case a no ball is called.
      2. Think: safety is a priority when setting up and officiating sport, a safe zone for waiting batters is essential.
      3. Think: rules must be agreed with all teams/players in advance to ensure games can be played fairly.
      4. Feel: it is important to show acceptance of umpiring decisions made by officials even when you disagree.
      5. Connect: umpires will make mistakes in the same way performers do but compassion must still be shown.

      Keywords

      • Umpire - the official responsible for enforcing the rules of the game, ensuring fair play and making decisions during a match

      • Rules - the official guidelines that explain how the game is played

      • Innings - a part of the game where one team bats and the other team fields. A full game usually has 2 innings

      Common misconception

      Pupils lack the confidence to make decisions, often worrying what their peers might say if they don't agree with a decision.

      Provide pupils with reassurance that it is acceptable to make mistakes and ensure everyone in the group is respectful of decisions made by officials.

      Teacher tip

      You may choose to pair up pupils to umpire games until their gain confidence, and you could select pupils who need to develop their confidence to officiate rather than those who you know would already feel comfortable in taking on this role.

      Equipment

      4-5 rounders balls (or alternative), rounders bats, bases, cones, stumps or alternative for 2 pitches

      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.
      If a batter reaches 3rd base, how many rounders do they score?

      1
      Correct answer: 1/2
      0

      Q2.
      How do fielders help batters to find space and score a rounder?

      spread out
      plan tactically
      Correct answer: stay close together

      Q3.
      Which is most important when hitting the ball into space?

      power
      height
      Correct answer: cccuracy

      Q4.
      Which foot does the batter push off when making contact with the ball?

      front
      Correct answer: back
      either

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What must batters do as soon as they have either hit or attempted to hit the ball?

      celebrate
      Correct answer: run
      hit another ball

      Q2.
      What should we always aim to show when an umpire makes a mistake in a game?

      Correct answer: compassion
      frustration
      anger

      Q3.
      Where should the batters be standing when they are waiting to bat in a rounders game?

      Correct Answer: The safe zone, safe zone

      Q4.
      To ensure that a batter cannot run on to the next base, who can the fielders always send the ball back to when this person is in their box?

      Correct Answer: The bowler, Bowler

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