Playtest with Scouts: Counting Touches and Wait Time

A game designed for others gets playtested with scouts who count each player's touches, standing time, and passes received. Based on the data, the designers change one rule and check whether the game got more inclusive.

How to play

1. A group presents a game the class invented for recess or the event, or the teacher suggests a simple invasion game (3 min).
2. First 5-minute test: every player has a scout with a sheet who counts their ball touches and the times they call for the ball and don't get it (6 min).
3. Look at the data: does anyone have zero touches? Is the game stuck with a few players? (5 min).
4. The designers change one rule only: everyone touches before scoring, smaller court, two balls, or personal zones (4 min).
5. Second test with roles switched: scouts now play (6 min).
6. Compare the data: did the new rule spread the game around better? (6 min).

Rules

• The data is about the game, not the people: nobody reads out names with zero touches.
• Scouts stay off the court.
• Foam ball and no contact.
• Change only one rule per test.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: scouts first, then in the second test plays with a protected personal zone.
• Visual impairment: scouts by listening for their player's touches with a classmate's help, or plays with a bell ball.
• Students who struggle with reading and writing: picture-based sheet with tally marks.

Learning goals

• Analyze a game with simple data.
• Redesign a rule to increase participation.
• Think about the game from the point of view of whoever touches the ball least.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam balls: 3
• cones: 16
• pinnies: 14
• tally sheets: 14
• pencils: 14
• stopwatches: 2

Teacher tip

Make a tally sheet with two big columns for tick marks. Common mistake: the group changes three rules at once and can't tell which one worked.

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