Touchdown (Rugby)

Learning Outcomes

Learn about the values of Integrity in sports and in real life 

Description Of Activity

Students are divided into 2 teams - Team A (Bus Owners) and Team B (Passengers). 

A small field (size of a Kabaddi or Volleyball court) is created for playing a game of simplified Rugby. The game is called Touchdown.

Both teams are asked to stand on both sides of the center line and explained basic rules of Touchdown:

1. Teams to appoint their own captains
2. There will be 2 halves of 15 Min each
3. Teams can take one strategy break in each half of one minute
4. For starting the game, Teacher will throw the Rugby Ball up in the air at the center point
5. Captains to jump and deflect balls to their players
6. No player can have possession of the ball for more than one step (they cannot carry the ball). They need to pass the ball to their players.
7. Other team players can steal the ball while it is in the air or in the ground
8. If ball goes outside the lines on both side, other team gets change to do free throw
9. The objective of the teams is to reach the end line of the opposite team and touch the ball on the line to get a point.
10. If they touch the ball inside or outside then it is not counted as score. The other team gets to throw the ball from the goal line.
11. At the end of first half, the side changes.
12. Most Important: There will be NO referee to judge. Both teams to decide what is foul and what is legitimate. They need to resolve the issues themselves

At the end of first half or end of 1 minute of strategy break, teacher blows the whistle. Otherwise, the teacher doesn't interfere. 

At the end of the game, teacher asks both teams to stand behind the center line and talks to them about the game, the points scored and what was right and what was wrong.   

Variations

This can be done with any game with just one rule to be followed by both teams. Important to play with no referees and let teams decide (what is valid score or foul) amongst themselves

Coaching Tips

1. Both Teams / Players tend to fight over each point and each foul.
2. They will tend to passionately justify their actions during the play - whether right or wrong.
3. The Teacher can lead them to the conversation around the values of fairness and how unfair means leads to loss of respect and credibility in our daily life.
4. Teacher to summarise with the positive values of Integrity.

Equipment/Material Required

1. Rugby Ball. In case Rugby ball is not available, one can use softball or dodgeball.
2. Line Marking on ground using Chalk powder. In case chalk powder is not there, ground markers can be used.