Schoolyard Hockey: Calling High Sticks and Dangerous Play

Referee training for the school hockey league focused on the two fouls that protect safety the most: a stick above the waist and dangerous play. Students learn the signals, practice them in set-up situations and apply them in real games with an observer.

How to play

1. Explain and demonstrate both fouls and their signals: palm down at chest height for high stick and crossed arms for dangerous play, plus the free hit that follows (4 min).
2. Set-up situations in threes: two players act out borderline plays in slow motion and the referee decides, blows the whistle and signals; rotate every minute (6 min).
3. Four-on-four games on two 20 x 12 m fields with one referee per field and an observer who records fouls called, fouls missed and correct signals (7 min).
4. Switch referees and observers for a second round of games (7 min).
5. Review: observers discuss doubtful calls and the group agrees on a common standard for the league (6 min).

Rules

• The stick never rises above the waist, on the backswing or the follow-through.
• No lifting the ball off the ground with a hard hit.
• The referee stops play immediately for any action that puts a player at risk.
• Referee calls are not argued; doubts are discussed during the review.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: referees from a fixed spot at midfield on the sideline with whistle and signals.
• Hearing impairment: the referee raises an arm along with the whistle so everyone sees the stoppage.
• Wrist injury: acts as referee or observer without handling a stick.

Learning goals

• Apply hockey safety rules with clear referee signals.
• Make quick decisions and justify them with a shared standard.
• See refereeing as a service to fair play and safety.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hockey sticks: 20
• hockey balls: 4
• cones: 16
• pinnies: 8
• whistle: 2
• cards: 2

Teacher tip

Use soft or hollow plastic hockey balls in the schoolyard. The referees trained in this session can run the recess league games.

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