Referee Signals on the Move: Touch, Softball and Cricket

A general warm-up where each referee signal from touch rugby, softball and cricket is linked to a movement. Students raise their heart rate while memorizing the signals they will later use as referees or scorekeepers.

How to play

1. Introduce six signals with picture cards taped to cones: in touch, the touch and the five-meter retreat; in softball, safe and out; in cricket, four and six (2 min).
2. Free jogging: when the teacher shows a signal, the whole group does the linked action, for example a squat for out, a 3 m side shuffle for safe or a jump with arms up for six (2 min).
3. In pairs, one student is the referee and shows signals without speaking; the partner responds with the action and calls the decision out loud; switch roles every 45 seconds (2 min).
4. In groups of four, one student narrates a made-up play and the other three must make the correct signal at the same time; the group counts its synchronized hits (2 min).

Rules

• Every signal is made fully and clearly, as in a real game.
• Actions are done in place or with short moves, without bumping into anyone.
• Nobody is eliminated for a mistake: repeat the correct signal and keep going.
• Only the student acting as referee uses a whistle at any given time.

Variations

Adaptations

• Hearing impairment: the task is already visual; place the student facing the referee and replace the whistle with an arm signal.
• Autism: gets the signal cards before class and always works with the same partner.
• Limited mobility: does the actions with the upper body or the wheelchair and checks everyone else's signals.

Learning goals

• Gradually raise heart rate and body temperature.
• Recognize and perform basic referee signals from three sports.
• Prepare students to take on the referee role with confidence.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cards: 12
• cones: 8
• whistles: 4

Teacher tip

Leave the cards on the cones for the whole class so referees can check them. It works very well as the opener for any class in an alternative sports unit.

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