Practical Performance and Skill Demonstration
Exam focus
Practical Performance and Skill Demonstration assesses what you can do and explain: fitness-test protocol, game skill, officiating signal, and safety. Marks are usually split between preparation, execution, result, and viva, so a correct process scores even when the outcome is average.
What examiners look for
- Correct protocol: measured distance, accurate timing, proper starting position, and safe equipment.
- Skill criteria: grip, stance, backswing, contact point, follow-through, and recovery.
- Knowledge: name the test or skill, state the score, and answer one why question.
- Safety and etiquette: warm-up, equipment check, rules, and respect for opponents.
Worked example
In a 4×10 m shuttle-run test, a learner starts behind the line, picks up the first block, returns, places it down, and repeats. The time is recorded to 0.1 s. If the learner throws the block or crosses the line early, the trial is invalid. Reasoning: the test measures agility and change of direction; the block must be placed, not thrown, so the distance is standard.
Traps
- Starting the stopwatch before the go signal.
- Demonstrating a skill without naming the criteria or safety points.
- Treating a poor score as a failed practical; process and knowledge also carry marks.
- Skipping the warm-up or using unsafe equipment.