Sprain on the Field: RICE Protocol Game

During a ten-pass game, the teacher calls surprise injuries and each team's medics must apply RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It blends real game play with responding to minor sports injuries.

How to play

1. Briefing (4 min): mild sprains and RICE: stop, ice wrapped in a cloth (never directly on skin), a wrap that compresses without squeezing, and raise the limb.
2. Three courts marked with cones; on each, 4-on-4 in pinnies playing ten passes with a foam ball. Each team picks two medics, who also play.
3. Every 3 minutes the teacher stops one court, names a player and an injury (ankle or wrist). Play on that court stops.
4. The medics sit the player down, place a folded towel as ice, wrap a figure-eight elastic bandage, and raise the leg on a ball. They have 90 seconds.
5. The other team checks the four steps and awards 2 points if correct, added to the pass score.
6. Switch medics after each injury. Play about 18 minutes and finish by discussing mistakes.

Rules

• Injuries are acted out; the injured player does not fall to the ground.
• No contact in the passing game and no ripping the ball out of hands.
• A wrap should never cause tingling or change the color of fingers or toes.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: serve as the team's permanent medic or pass from a protected zone.
• Autism: preview when play will stop using an agreed visual signal.
• Lower fitness: play on a smaller court or act as checker.

Learning goals

• Apply RICE to a mild sprain.
• Tell minor injuries from those needing medical help.
• Respond calmly to an injury during play.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pinnies: 12
• foam balls: 3
• cones: 12
• elastic bandages: 6
• towels: 6

Teacher tip

Remind students that ice goes on for 15-20 minutes in real life; in class it's simulated. If a real injury happens later, use it as a chance to review the protocol calmly.

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