Planning and Playing Active Games
Planning and Playing Active Games
It's important that active games are well-planned and considered. A risk assessment must always be completed.
Games should be challenging, rewarding and promote positive behaviour amongst the group. There are lots of active game ideas on the Activity Finder with options that are appropriate for all sections and age groups.
It's important to make sure everyone knows what to do.
Think carefully about the key hazards when playing the game as part of your planning and Risk Assessment. For example:
- The number of players, their size and abilities, and the control of contact. All these things will need to be considered and monitored.
- Behaviour during a game can change. How will you make sure the game continues to be fun for everyone?
- How will you stop the game quickly? For wide games, you may wish to consider the use of a whistle or horn to call everyone back to a specific pre-agreed spot.
- How will you supervise the game? Don’t forget the young people who are ‘out’ or having a rest will need supervising too.
Here are some things to think about:
Clearly and carefully explain what the rules are. Take time and have patience while telling everyone what to do.
Give short instructions clearly and concisely. You'll need to carefully explain these at the start of the game, each time you play it.
You could have a practice round of the game to make sure everyone knows what they’re doing.
Let young people help explain to each other what to do, too.
There may be some standard rules for your meeting place, such as only walking on the slope, which you'll need to remind your players of.
Tell everyone how long the game will go on for.
There may be a contact element in some games. Players will need to understand how to do this safely.
Make sure everyone understands what contact is acceptable and monitor contact throughout the activity.
For complex games, you may wish to take a step-by-step approach before fully launching into the game. This can make sure everyone knows what to do.
Carry out regular head counts, more frequently when outside and in the dark, to make sure everyone is accounted for.
Remember to monitor behaviour. You may decide to stop the game if behaviour becomes overexcited.
It's easy not to notice getting wet, cold or overheated when playing a game. You may want to have drinks or warm jumpers ready for people, as well as a backup plan for any changes to the weather.
Having a clear way to communicate that the game must stop when needed.
This could be a long blow on a whistle. For example, ‘2 blows of the whistle means freeze’.
Make sure everyone knows how to get help in an emergency. How will they find an adult or get help to them? How can they get in touch with a home base?
Our Safety Checklists are aimed to help all adults working with young people to fulfil their role and responsibilities in managing and supporting safety in Scouts.
Take a look at our 10-minute filler games
10-minute filler games