Teamwork is the ability to work together with others toward a common goal. Watch the video and complete the human knot activity as a class.
Time: 10 - 15 minutes
Number of Participants: Two or more people
Tools Needed: A picture, pen, and paper
Rules: Divide everyone into groups of two. Have the two individuals sitting back-to-back. Give one person the pen and paper and the other person the picture. The person with the picture describes the picture to their teammate without actually saying what it is. For example, if the image is a worm in an apple, do not say, "Draw an apple with a worm in it." The person with the pen and paper draws what they think the picture depicts, based on the verbal description. Set a time limit for 10 - 15 minutes.
Objective: This is an activity that focuses on interpretation and communication. Once the drawing is finished, it's always interesting to see how the drawer interprets their partner's description.
Flexibility is the ability to adapt to new situations, improvise and use multiple strategies to overcome difficulties.
During the management of an event there needs to be some flexibility and initiative to allow everything to run smoothly—it is unlikely that everything will run to plan. Flexibility allows a part of the event to be changed if necessary. A set rule is not something that can be changed and is therefore not flexible. However, if environmental conditions are foreseen that might affect the success of an event, then the organisers need to be flexible and apply a change in order for the event to be successful. For example, if a snowboarding competition is planned to run over three days but by the afternoon of the second day the snow is too slushy for the event to continue safely, the organisers may need to be flexible and reschedule the afternoon’s events.
2. Explain how you would be flexible in the following situations:
a) TWO PE classes have booked the same court on the same period.
b) Both PASS classes need the Basketballs to practise drills, but there are only enough for one class.
Innovation: introducing new ideas, creative thinking
If an event is not attracting participants and is lacking in appeal, then it is a good idea to come up with new and innovative ideas to attract participants and spectators. For example, if organisers have planned to include a range of novelty events at a swimming carnival and participation is lacking, some new and engaging events may need to be developed to ensure participation is improved. This may require some critical thinking about the activities required to engage the participants. More broadly, if attendance at large scale events is lacking, sponsors have often supplied large blow-up balls to advertise their products or blow-up objects that are eye-catching and innovative. This advertising ploy allows the advertiser’s name to be printed on the product and may attract media attention as well as the delight of the audience.
3. Students are split into groups of 4. In 5 minutes, groups must come up with 50 uses for an object (eg. noodle, kickboard, rope, life jacket). Each group member is encouraged to share their ideas with their team.
In your own words, explain the importance of teamwork, flexibility and innovation when managing the events at a swimming carnival.