Self-Officiated Roundnet: Rim Shots, Carries and Hinders

Roundnet games with no referee, where the pairs settle close calls themselves, as in the sport's competitions. Students learn the most common calls and how to agree on a replay.

How to play

1. Rule cards: a rim hit is a point for the other team, a held or thrown ball is a fault, no one touches twice in a row, and an accidental hinder is replayed (4 min).
2. Staged close calls: each group acts out three situations from the cards and everyone else decides the right call (5 min).
3. 2 vs 2 games to 11 on four sets, no referee; disagreements are talked through, and with no agreement the point is replayed (12 min).
4. Evaluation round: each pair rates the other pair's fair play from 1 to 4 and explains one call that made them hesitate (4 min).

Rules

• Whoever sees a fault on their own side calls it first, even if it hurts their team.
• No agreement means the point is replayed.
• After the serve, players must not block an opponent's path; if they do, it's a hinder.
• Watch out on diving hits: no jumping on the net.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users play with the net raised on a bench, and teammates serve at their height.
• Finger injury: hits with a closed fist or acts as fair-play observer.
• Students who find it hard to argue a call carry the rule card and read it aloud whenever there's a doubt.

Learning goals

• Learn the main calls in roundnet.
• Settle disagreements honestly without a referee.
• See fair play as part of performance.

Equipment for a class of 25

• roundnet sets: 4
• cones: 16
• rule cards: 8

Teacher tip

Sets are expensive; if you only have one or two, run games in rotation while the rest score fair play. Watch the metal edges on some models. Typical mistake: accepting a rim hit as good because nobody saw it clearly.

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