Sport Education Preseason: Team Charter and Roles
First lesson of a 4v4 volleyball season using the Sport Education model: each team picks a name, assigns roles and signs a team charter. Then they put it into practice in a team practice and a scrimmage, building responsibility and shared leadership.
How to play
- Make 5 balanced teams of 5 and give each a team charter sheet; set up two mini-volleyball courts with nets (3 min).
- Each team picks a name and pinnie color and assigns five roles: captain, fitness coach, referee, scorekeeper and equipment manager. They write three sportsmanship commitments and everyone signs (5 min).
- The fitness coach leads a sport-specific warm-up: shoulder mobility, footwork and partner sets (4 min).
- The captain runs practice: a cooperative challenge to keep the ball up with three touches per side (7 min).
- 5-minute 4v4 scrimmage on two courts: the fifth team provides a referee and scorekeeper for each court, and each team's extra player rotates in on every serve (5 min).
- Wrap-up: each team reviews its charter and notes whether every role did its job (1 min).
Rules
- Every role is filled; nobody holds two roles.
- Signed commitments are reviewed at the end of every lesson in the season.
- Only the captain talks to the referee; everyone else accepts the calls.
- Safety: nets tight and all equipment off the court before play starts.
Variations
Easier
The teacher suggests the roles and three sample commitments to choose from.
Standard
Own charter, five roles, team practice and scrimmage.
Harder
Each team adds one measurable season goal and checks it during the scrimmage.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: takes the scorekeeper or fitness coach role and plays with one extra touch allowed.
- Shy students or autism: chooses first a role with written step-by-step tasks, such as equipment manager.
- Advanced players: as captain, must make sure every teammate touches the ball on every rally.
Learning goals
- Take responsibility for a role within the team.
- Agree on and sign sportsmanship commitments.
- Lead teammates through a short warm-up or practice.
Equipment for a class of 25
- volleyballs: 5
- nets: 2
- pinnies: 25
- worksheets: 5
- pens: 5
Teacher tip
Form balanced teams yourself and keep them together all season: team persistence is the heart of the model.
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