Silent Relay: Visual Signal vs. Voice Call Exchanges
A team experiment comparing exchanges using a voice call with exchanges using an agreed visual signal. It tests relay communication and connects to how Deaf athletes compete.
How to play
- Setup: each team of four invents a visual exchange signal (for example, the receiver sees a gesture before taking off and reaches back after an agreed number of steps) (4 min).
- Voice test: three timed exchanges over a 20 m section between cones, with a normal call (6 min).
- Silent test: three exchanges with the invented signal, in total silence, timed over the same section (6 min).
- Fine-tune: the team improves its signal and does two more exchanges (5 min).
- Analysis: compare average times and drops; each team suggests when each system is useful (4 min).
Rules
- No talking at all during the silent test, including people waiting.
- Always time the same section.
- A dropped baton counts as a scratch on the sheet.
- One team per lane.
Variations
Easier
Exchanges at a jog, and the receiver may turn their head.
Standard
Exchanges at speed over a timed section.
Harder
Loud background music during the voice test to see which system holds up better.
Adaptations
- Deaf or hard of hearing: leads the design of the visual signal and explains what works for them.
- Visual impairment: their team designs a touch signal (tap on the hand) instead of a visual one.
- Limited mobility: team timer and data analyst.
Learning goals
- Compare two communication systems using data.
- Design and agree on a signal as a team.
- Value disability inclusion in competitive sport.
Equipment for a class of 25
- batons: 6
- cones: 16
- stopwatches: 3
- score sheets: 10
Teacher tip
If you only have one stopwatch, time from when the passer crosses one cone to when the receiver crosses another. The usual slip is the team whispering during the silent test: mark it as a fault on the sheet.
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