Fair Play Announcers: Flag Rugby Broadcast
A flag rugby game narrated by pairs of student announcers who may only call out fair play, support and respect, never the scores. At the end they hand out sportsmanship awards, training students to notice positive behavior and use respectful language.
How to play
- Set up two 30x20 m (33x22 yd) fields and make 4 teams of 5 with flag belts; the other 5 students are announcers in pairs or a trio.
- Basic rules: pass only backward or sideways, pulling a flag stops the ball carrier, and a try is scored by grounding the ball over the line.
- Play 6 minutes while announcers call out only positive plays from the sideline: 'Lucy hands back the flag and high-fives her opponent!'.
- After the game, announcers give three awards: best gesture, best teammate and best reaction to a mistake (2 min).
- Rotate so everyone announces once (3 rounds, 24 min total with awards).
Rules
- Announcers never comment on mistakes or name anyone to criticize them.
- Pulled flags are handed back to the opponent.
- The ball carrier stops as soon as their flag is pulled.
- Safety: no tackling or pushing; protect your flag only by running.
Variations
Easier
Announcers may read model phrases from a card.
Standard
Continuous play-by-play of positive actions and three awards per game.
Harder
Announcers use a radio-style voice, and award winners explain their gesture.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: lead announcer, or player with a catching zone where flags can't be pulled.
- Hearing impairment: awards are written on a visible whiteboard.
- Shy students: announce in a trio and keep the written tally of gestures.
Learning goals
- Recognize and name fair play behaviors.
- Use positive, respectful language toward others.
- Apply the basic rules of flag rugby.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam footballs: 2
- flag belts: 20
- cones: 12
- pinnies: 10
Teacher tip
At first announcers drift toward the score: give them a card listing what to look for. Give the awards weight by mentioning them in the next class.
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