Gaelic Football: Referees for Steps and Double Bounces

An adapted Gaelic football game in which students referee the two most common fouls: taking more than four steps with the ball in hand and bouncing twice in a row. Refereeing forces them to know the rules well and to play knowing someone is watching.

How to play

1. Review with a demo: four steps max with the ball, then you must bounce it, solo it (drop it onto your foot and kick it back to your hands), pass or shoot; you can't bounce twice in a row without a solo in between (5 min).
2. Spotting drill: one student carries the ball and two judges count steps quietly; they compare their call with the teacher's (5 min).
3. Game 1, 9 vs 9 or close to it, with a head referee and two sideline judges who only call steps and double bounces (9 min).
4. Game 2 with officiating roles rotated; the scorekeeper logs each foul and who committed it (9 min).
5. Read the sheet: which foul happens most, and in what game situation? (2 min).

Rules

• No tackling: steal by knocking the ball with an open hand or intercepting a pass.
• The ball isn't picked up off the ground by hand: lift it with your foot.
• The referee counts steps and bounces; players don't argue the call.
• Shots on goal only with the foot or a fist.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users may carry the ball in their lap and must pass after two pushes; as a referee, they position on the sideline.
• Ankle injury: referees or keeps score all session.
• Students who struggle with the foot solo can swap it for an extra bounce in the first game.

Learning goals

• Learn the steps and bounce rules of Gaelic football.
• Apply them sensibly as an official.
• Play while respecting other people's calls.

Equipment for a class of 25

• gaelic footballs: 3
• futsal goals: 2
• pvc poles: 4
• duct tape: 1
• pinnies: 15
• whistles: 2
• flags: 4

Teacher tip

If you don't have Gaelic footballs, a synthetic leather volleyball or a soft soccer ball works. For the posts, tape two poles to the goalposts: over the crossbar is a point and under it is a goal. Typical mistake: the referee miscounts because they're watching the ball, not the feet.

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