Staff Huddle: What Worked, What Changes, Who Does It

After an event, the staff meets by role while walking and then in a circle to figure out what worked, what needs to change, and who owns it. It brings the energy down and turns the experience into concrete improvements.

How to play

1. Role groups (refereeing, timekeeping, coaches, communications, equipment) walk one lap and agree on one thing that worked and one that didn't (3 min).
2. Whole-class circle: a soft ball passes to each role's spokesperson; only the person holding it talks (3 min).
3. For each problem, the class proposes a change, and a volunteer signs up to own it for the next event (3 min).
4. The note-taker reads back the final list of changes and owners (1 min).

Rules

• Talk about tasks and decisions, not people.
• Each spokesperson gets 30 seconds.
• Hand the ball over; don't throw it hard.
• Every change needs an owner or it doesn't go on the list.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the role walk follows the accessible route, or groups sit in a circle.
• Hard of hearing: the note-taker writes key points in big letters so everyone can follow.
• Students who find it hard to speak in a group: can give their idea in writing to the spokesperson.

Learning goals

• Evaluate an event in an organized way.
• Turn mistakes into concrete improvements.
• Take responsibility within a team.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soft balls: 1
• note sheets: 1
• pencils: 1

Teacher tip

Keep the sheet for the next event and start by reading it; that's what makes evaluation worth it. Common mistake: problems turn into blame; steer it back to “next time we'll…”

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