Share the Court: Three Groups, One Space, Not Enough Gear

Three groups each get a different physical challenge that needs space and equipment, but there isn't enough court or gear for everyone to do theirs at once the way they want. They must negotiate turns, zones and gear with the help of a mediator, stick to the deal and then judge whether it was fair.

How to play

1. Form three groups of eight or nine and give each a challenge card, such as 50 passes in a circle without dropping the ball, a hoop jumping circuit or a jump rope relay (3 min).
2. Show the total equipment and space available: there isn't enough for all three challenges at full scale at the same time (1 min).
3. Each group picks a spokesperson, and the three negotiate for 5 minutes with a student mediator who writes the agreement on a sheet: zones, turns and equipment (6 min).
4. Groups carry out their challenges under the agreement; halfway through, the mediator can call a one-minute review if any group asks (12 min).
5. Wrap-up: each group rates from 1 to 5 how fair and effective the deal was, and the class analyzes the negotiation strategies used (8 min).

Rules

• No group starts until the agreement is written down and signed by all three spokespeople.
• Equipment only changes groups as agreed or with the mediator's permission.
• During negotiation, people speak in turn and the mediator gives the floor.
• Play areas are separated by cones and at least 10 feet to prevent collisions between groups.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student can be mediator or spokesperson, and the group adapts its challenge so they can take part from a fixed spot.
• Autism: the student gets the challenge card in advance plus a script of phrases for negotiating.
• Hearing impairment: proposals are written on a whiteboard everyone can see during the negotiation.

Learning goals

• Use negotiation strategies to resolve a conflict of interests during physical activity.
• Take on and respect the mediator's role in reaching agreements.
• Evaluate how fair and effective a group agreement is.

Equipment for a class of 25

• balls: 4
• cones: 20
• hoops: 10
• jump ropes: 4
• worksheets: 6

Teacher tip

Don't settle the split yourself even if negotiation drags on; just set a time limit. At the end, it helps to ask which group gave up the most and why.

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