Sponsored Jerseys: A Moving Debate on Betting and Alcohol
A moving debate where students place themselves along a values line in response to statements about sports sponsorship by betting companies, alcohol and tobacco. It ends with teams designing a club jersey with sponsors that are consistent with health.
How to play
- Mark a 20-meter line with cones: one end is 'strongly agree' and the other 'strongly disagree'; explain that each move uses a different movement the teacher calls (lunges, side shuffle, high knees) (2 min).
- Read six statements, such as 'If a club needs money, any sponsor is fine,' 'Beer ads in soccer do not influence young people' or 'Sports betting is a harmless game'; after each one, the group moves and two people from opposite positions argue their case (8 min).
- Briefly explain that tobacco advertising is no longer allowed in Spain and that betting sponsorship on jerseys was restricted, but alcohol is still present at many sports events (2 min).
- In teams, students design a jersey for a made-up club on a card with two health-friendly sponsors and present it wearing their team's pinnie (5 min).
- Wrap-up: everyone returns to the line for the first statement to see whether their position has changed (3 min).
Rules
- Every position on the line is respected, and no one has to argue.
- Move facing forward without bumping into people going the other way.
- Debate ideas, never people or their families.
- Do not show betting or alcohol brand logos.
Variations
Easier
Three very clear statements and only two possible positions.
Standard
Six statements, a values line with arguments and a jersey design.
Harder
Each team writes a new statement for the line and defends it with a verified fact.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the line is shortened to 10 meters, or the student can show their position with a card numbered 1 to 5.
- Visual impairment: a classmate describes where most people are standing and walks with them to their spot.
- Autism: gets the statements in writing beforehand and can argue in writing.
Learning goals
- Critically analyze the link between sports and advertising for harmful products.
- Argue a personal position and listen to opposing ones.
- Propose sports sponsorship models that are consistent with health.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 10
- cards: 10
- pinnies: 30
Teacher tip
Check the current regulations before class, as they change fairly often. If some students have relatives with gambling problems, be especially careful with the tone.
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