TEACHER CARDS P.E. Strand: Games. Module.

Transcription

1 TEACHER CARDS Strand: Games Module

2 Putting Best Practice into Action By Pat Daly, GAA Head of Games & Peter Horgan, Go Games Coordinator Children particularly those who are interested in sport will seldom pass up an opportunity to play a game. When left to their own devices, everyone will get a full game there is no such thing as a sub and teams will be selected to ensure that they are as evenly matched as possible. While the game will be contested with vigour - those who play games tend to have a strong competitive streak but the result (outcome) will be of little significance unless or until adult values are introduced, i.e. when winning tends to become the be all and end all. Under these circumstances, the child - centred approach is abandoned and much of the spontaneous fun and enjoyment that comes from simply taking part disappears. Having regard for the Code of Ethics and Best Practice for Youth Sport, the GAA has revamped its underlying policy and overall approach to reflect this reality and also ensure that all activities are fully in line with recommendations as set out in the Primary Schools syllabus. This involves the implementation of three core elements known as the Key of the Grassroots to National Programme (GNP): KEY of the GNP 1. Devising small-sided skill development games in Hurling and Gaelic football (known as Go Games) which cater for the varying competitive and recreational needs of those involved, i.e. First Touch (U. 8), Quick Touch (U. 10) and Smart Touch (U. 12). 2. Devising skill development inputs which compliment the games: these draw on the children s sense of intrinsic motivation i.e. their desire to master the skills of Hurling and Gaelic football. 3. Underpinning the games and skill development activities with a revamped programme of Coach, Administrator and Referee Education (CARE) and making provision within this for Applied Lifelong Learning (ALL) Summary details on each of these elements are set out below. Further information can be accessed at PAGE 72

3 The Go Games A Teacher s Guide There are 3 Go Games in Hurling and 3 in Gaelic Football known as First Touch (Age 7/8), Quick Touch (Age 9/10) and Smart Touch (Age 11/12). These have been developed with a view to ensuring that children in both Schools and Clubs master the skills of the game in a positive playing environment and, in the process, derive maximum enjoyment from their involvement. While the playing rules for First, Quick and Smart Touch are not necessarily set in stone - the principle of ensuring that all participants get to play the full game is, as is the principle of not awarding medals or trophies arising from success in the Go Games. (Under 8) (Under 10) (Under 12) The benefits of participating in the Go Games to Children: The Go Games provide boys and girls with a fun and safe experience that can serve as an introduction to a lifetime of involvement in Hurling and Gaelic football. Children learn the fundamental skills of Hurling and Gaelic football; these will serve them throughout their sporting lives Research into the Go Games has shown that Children experience increased levels of enjoyment when playing small - sided games of this nature Children get more touches of the ball and the opportunity to play in different positions Because of the modified equipment and playing rules employed in each of the games, there is an increased physical work rate but, paradoxically, participants find it less tiring A greater level of involvement results in a greater level of perceived competence PAGE 73

4 Why the Playing Rules are Modified: To provide a fun and safe environment for children To maximise participation Ensure fair play for everyone involved Allow for maximum parental involvement Provide for incremental development Playing Area, Time and Equipment The Go Games take place on a reduced size pitch. As the playing area is smaller, children are encouraged to concentrate on the game as the ball is never far away! The playing time has been reduced to ensure that children can play to a higher intensity while allowing sufficient breaks for recovery. The playing equipment has been modified to ensure that the participants get a sense of achievement and to minimse the likelihood of injuries. Rubber bas hurleys are recommended for the First and Quick Touch Hurling games, however these are not compulsory and regular hurleys may also be used. The proposed pitch dimensions allow for the best possible use of the standard space, which is typically available Team Composition Small-sided teams are used in the Go Games. This allows individual players get more touches of the ball. It also allows for the matching of teams and individual players. As there are fewer players, the play is more open. This ensures more and better opportunities to acquire the basic skills. The underlying philosophy is that all players get the opportunity to play in a full game. Therefore, Coaches should consider modifying the playing numbers, for example: Where there are problems e.g. fielding the recommended numbers, coaches can agree to field teams with the same number of players Excess players on one side can be allocated to opponents to ensure maximum participation For instance, when planning a 9-a-side game, if there are 12 players available, the coaches could agree to play a 6-a-side game. PAGE 74

5 Use of Zones Zones restrict players to an area and prevent ball-chasing and subsequent congestion (bee hiving) i.e. where all players congregate around the ball. Zones encourage players to think about their positioning on the field before they are allowed the freedom to move wherever they wish as in the Smart Touch games in both Hurling and Gaelic football. Zones also allow for players of a similar size or playing ability to be matched. Zones are not intended to limit the flow of the game: as the players develop, the zones can be phased out. Rotation of Players One of the key objectives with the Go Games is to ensure that players will get experience of playing in a variety of playing positions during the course of a game. This provides a solid foundation for the development of all of the technical skills and adds variety and interest to the game. Players will get a sense and develop an understanding of playing in a variety of positions as distinct from being pigeon holed into one position from an early age. Player rotation also allows coaches to match players in terms of their ability and physical development etc. Sportsmanship Underlying Ethos Coaches and referees should instruct the players on the rules of the different games. At the end of games, coaches, players and referees should all shake hands, and acknowledged the contribution made by the referee i.e. thank the referee.the Go Games Young Referee Course allows pupils to take the role of referee in these games. It is an excellent way for pupils to learn the role of the referee and the value of fair play. During the summer months these pupils can be seen refereeing Go Games at half time during the All-Ireland championships. (See SPHE section) One-Sided Games Need for Balance From a fair play perspective, coaches are encouraged to make changes in one-sided games to ensure reasonable contests. One-sided games usually result in little learning or enjoyment for either team, or for the individual players involved. Changes that can be made are as follows: players swapping positions and/or sides etc. PAGE 75

6 Go Games Rules: This section provides an overview of the rules used in Go Games. These should be interpreted with common sense, keeping in mind the philosophy and principles, which underpin the Go Games i.e. ensure that Players experience full participation, get fair play, develop their full potential and can engage in forward planning. The Future Proofing (FP) Index provides a measure of the extent to which GAA units deliver on these. Summary Age Under-8 Under-10 Under-12 Players 7 -a-side 9 -a-side 11 -a-side Pitch Dimensions 45m x40m 65m x40m 100m x40m Zones No Zones Duration 4 x 7 mins 4 x 8 mins 2 x 20 mins Sliothar Size 1 Size 2 Size 3 Outfield Play All on the Ground No Kicking All on the Ground + Catch and Strike/Lift, Catch and Strike No Kicking Catch and Strike Lift and Strike No Kicking Summary Age Under-8 Under-10 Under-12 Players 7 -a-side 9 -a-side 11 -a-side Pitch Dimensions Zones Duration Football Outfield Play 45m x30m 4 x 7 mins Size 1 No Fist/Hand Passing Pick up allowed 65m x40m 4 x 8 mins Size 2 Limited Solo Pick up allowed Non-Dominant Qtrs 2,4 90m x 40-50m No Zones 2 x 20 mins Size 3 Limited Solo Pick up allowed *For information about coaching resourses for handball and rounders see resourses section. PAGE 76