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Physical Education

Make the Rules

Overview

Students play a game with no rules, then create and test their own rules to make it fair and enjoyable.

Learning Objective
Students understand why rules exist in sport and experience designing and refining them.

Resources needed

  • Ball or any simple game equipment
  • Open space

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Play a simple game (e.g. get the ball to the other end) with no rules for 3 minutes.
  2. 2 Stop and discuss: what problems happened? Was it fair?
  3. 3 Groups write 3–5 rules to fix the problems.
  4. 4 Play again using the new rules.
  5. 5 Stop and discuss: did the rules improve the game? What did not work?
  6. 6 Adjust one rule and play a final version.
  7. 7 Discuss: why do real sports have the rules they do?

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Give one group more players — discuss how to make it fair.
  • Introduce a rule that disadvantages one group — discuss the reaction.
  • Compare student rules to the real rules of an existing sport.
More information

Teach: rule, fair, foul, penalty, agree, break. Key question: 'Is this rule making the game better or worse?'

Provide a starter rule list that students modify rather than create from scratch.

Do students' rules address the problems that arose? Can they explain the purpose behind each rule?

No equipment needed beyond something to play with. The learning is in the discussion, not the equipment.

Students think rules limit fun. Guide them to see that good rules create more fun by making competition fair and safe.

Understanding rules builds respect for officials, fair play, and the social contract that makes sport possible.

Activity details
Secondary Medium 25 minutes no prep Small Group, Whole Class Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Rules Fair Play Game Design