1. Infusion - Unit 6 InFusion
Here is a short quiz about running games. There are six questions and for each question you choose answer A, B or C.
Beware, deciding on the best answer each time is not as clear-cut as it may seem at first sight!
We will give you the best choice of answer each time, and even if you don’t agree with us, take note of the principles given which underlie our choices.
Question 1 1

2. Question 1
InFusion
Which of these is probably the best way to choose teams for a game of rounders or football for example?
Ask leaders to be the captains and let them pick teams. A
Let leaders choose teams at random and thus completely fairly. B
Ask children to be captains and let them pick the teams. C
Answer 2

3. Answer 1 InFusion The best answer is Question 2 C
You may well disagree! However, this method is quick, children usually do it this way when organising games on their own. It can help to keep friends together and it usually generates fair teams. A or B may be preferred by leaders who feel that because children who are not skilled are usually picked last this can reinforce feelings of failure. Whilst this may be true in some cases, using A or B often separates friends, removes ‘ownership’ of the game from the children and can generate resentment. If reinforcement of failure is an issue, you could ask two of the not- so-skilled children to be the captains. (By the way, if leaders are going to join in it is best if they are always picked last.)
Question 2 3

4. Question 2 InFusion When giving out rules for a game:
It is best to ask someone who knows the game well to explain the rules. A
It is best to write the rules out clearly beforehand and read them out. B
It is best to ask the children to explain the rules they usually use. C
Answer 4

5. Answer 2 InFusion The best answer is Question 3 B
A sounds good and in some circumstances might be the best way to do it, but experts often take for granted what the rest of us don’t know! C we’ll probably generate arguments and confusion. Writing down the rules ahead of time (especially if it is a relatively unknown or complicated game) is not that time- consuming, can solve disputes later on, gives you the chance to make them really clear and understandable and means you won’t forget important rules about safety and using the equipment correctly.
Question 3 5

6. Question 3
InFusion
When should equipment (e.g. balls, bats) be given out?
Just before the game starts so they won’t be a distraction. A
Before doing anything else so they are ready for use at the outset. B
Before giving out the rules so that correct use can be shown. C
Answer 6

7. Answer 3 InFusion The best answer is Question 4 A
Generally speaking, it is never wise to give out equipment before teams are chosen, rules have been given out and everything is ready for the game to start. If you do, equipment will almost always used ahead of time – and probably in the wrong way!
Question 4 7

8. Question 4
InFusion
The main reason for playing games is to help children to have fun and use up their energy.
True – as long as safety is not compromised. A
False – we should also use them to help the children to improve their motor skills. B
False – games are also great ways to learn social skills, for example. C
Answer 8

9. Answer 4 InFusion The best answer is and Question 5 B C
B and C may initially sound pretty dull. Of course games should be fun and enjoyable and safety shouldn’t be compromised, but there is a lot more to games than that! Most of us would want children to learn about working well with others, sharing, fairness, respect of others, then follow rules, dealing with success and failure, building confidence, developing motor skills etc. Games and sports can help with all of these, and more, without compromising fun or safety.
Question 5 9

10. Question 5 InFusion If leaders join in a game, they should:
Play their best for their team in order to support them. A
Play badly on purpose if their team starts to win by too greater margin. B
Hold back fairly and consistently to avoid dominating the game. C
Answer 10

11. Answer 5 InFusion The best answer is Question 6 C
With a group of older teenagers answer A may be acceptable. Generally, however, leaders who dominate again or play badly on purpose in the mistaken belief that steering it to draw is the only fair result, will almost certainly spoil the game for the children. We have a to serve the children and help them to have a good time, not show them how much better we are at games than them! Also, it is very difficult for leaders to play some games with children and not pose a danger to them because of their much greater physical size and strength – better to watch and encourage from the sideline.
Question 6 11

12. Question 6 InFusion Everyone enjoys playing soccer. True. False.B
What’s soccer? C
Answer 12

13. Answer 6 Oops, sorry - that should of course be B! InFusion
The best answer is
Oops, sorry - that should of course be B!
Surprisingly it is some leaders, not every child enjoys playing soccer! We should, of course, be playing a variety of games that the children enjoy, and perhaps introducing them to some new ones, rather than just playing our favourites. 13

14. Infusion - Unit 6
InFusion
That’s it!
How did you do? 14