- Encourage everyone to participate
- Be patient
- Be fair in judgments
- Show respect
- Encourage fair play
- Be flexible
Good leadership skills will go a long way to make games successful!
- Show you are interested and enthusiastic!
- Know the game and be confident explaining and leading it.
- Have everything ready to go and ensure you have the correct equipment and sufficient equipment for the number of participants.
Elimination – sitting out until the end of the game
When players have to sit out until the game is over problems can occur i.e. boredom which could result in a discipline situation. Are other options available? For example:
i)
Have them move on to another activity
ii)
Perform a certain task before they can rejoin the game i.e. jumping jacks; repeat a nursery rhyme; run and touch all four walls in the room
iii)
Sitting out for just a short time before rejoining the game
Choosing sides
Be creative so the ‘weakest’ player is not humiliated by being selected last. For example pick numbers, birth dates, draw straws or cards.
Separating friends
There are advantages and disadvantages. Use your knowledge about the ‘friends’ in question. You may need to lay ground rules about behavior and possible separation.
Be prepared
Be familiar with the game – take some time to think (before playing), of possible alternatives and ways to adapt the game.
Competition
Competition is healthy, but be careful that too much pressure is not placed on the players. Cooperation can be part of a competitive game.
Including leaders
This should be done only as a last resort. You don’t want to upset the skill balance. However having a leader on each team could show the girls you are willing to play too, as long as it doesn’t take the leadership from the girls.
Changing the rules
Add rule changes slowly as not to confuse the players – let them suggest rule changes if they have good ideas.
Stopping the game
End on a high note, when enthusiasm is still there – don’t let a game drag on.
Group size/age range
The game may have to be adapted to ensure players aren’t standing around. If the age range is very diverse, you may have to adapt the game or pair older, more skilled players with those younger and less skilled.
Facility size/space available
This factor will affect how the game is played and you may have to adapt it.
Individual differences in the group
The group may be diverse in their experience, ability, language – keep this in mind when choosing and explaining games.
Safety
Safety must always be your first priority and will dictate how the game is played.
Source: Living Room Learning #6 – Helping Guiders Learn about: Games
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