Sideline Mediators: The Game With No Referee

An Ultimate-style flying disc game with no referee, where two student mediators help the players themselves agree on close calls. Mediators don't decide; they guide a listen-and-propose protocol.

How to play

1. Review the basic rules: move the disc only by passing, no contact, and score by catching it in the end zone (4 min).
2. Practice the protocol with two acted-out plays: stop, each side says what they saw in one sentence, the mediator sums up and asks “What do you suggest?” (6 min).
3. 6v6 on two fields with two mediators in armbands per field; anyone can call “mediation” by holding the disc up (10 min).
4. Switch mediators and teams; the teacher only watches and notes how disputes get solved (10 min).
5. Group share: which proposals worked best? How did it feel to mediate? (5 min).

Rules

• Mediators don't decide or blow a whistle: they only manage turns and ask for proposals.
• Each side speaks once, without interrupting, using “I” statements: “I saw…”.
• No agreement within 30 seconds means a redo from the last pass.
• No contact: defenders stay an arm's length from the thrower.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the mediator carries a card with the three steps written out.
• Injured students or students who can't run: serve as a mediator for longer stretches.
• Students new to the disc: may play with a foam ball, which is easier to catch.

Learning goals

• Settle game disputes by agreement, without an outside authority.
• Practice listening and using “I” statements.
• Keep the game flowing with cuts and passes.

Equipment for a class of 25

• flying disc: 2
• pinnies: 12
• cones: 16
• armbands: 4

Teacher tip

Pick respected students as the first mediators, but not always the same ones. The common mistake is the mediator ending up making the call; remind them of their key line: “What do you suggest?”.

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