Respect Ritual Mini-Volleyball Tournament

A 4-on-4 mini-volleyball tournament in which every match starts and ends with a respect ritual: handshake, honor tunnel and picking the best opponent. The referee scores the ritual, building good sportsmanship in winning and losing.

How to play

1. Set up three 9x4.5 m (30x15 ft) courts with the net at 2 m (6.5 ft) and make 6 teams of 4; the extra student and resting teams referee.
2. Before each match, teams shake hands at the net and each captain says something positive about the opponents (1 min).
3. Play 5 minutes to 11, serving from inside the court with three contacts per side.
4. At the end, both teams make an honor tunnel, thank the referee and pick the best opponent, saying why (1 min).
5. The referee gives each team 0, 1 or 2 respect points based on the ritual and behavior during play.
6. Rotate round-robin for three rounds; the champion has the most wins plus respect points (21 min).

Rules

• The ritual is required, even after a lopsided loss.
• Celebrations are never aimed at the opponents.
• Only the captain may ask the referee a question, calmly.
• Safety: no hanging on the net and no crossing under it.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: play seated near the net with one bounce allowed before each contact.
• Shy students: give the compliment in writing on a card for the referee.
• Beginners: may catch and throw the ball on the first contact.

Learning goals

• Show respect to opponents and officials before, during and after play.
• Handle winning and losing with good sportsmanship.
• Work together using three contacts to build a point.

Equipment for a class of 25

• volleyballs: 3
• nets: 3
• cones: 12

Teacher tip

Rehearse the honor tunnel with the whole class before the first match. In the first lessons, praise the best rituals out loud so they carry weight.

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