ALL THIS INFORMATION IS COVERED IN THE “GETTING READY” SECTION OF THE DVD

We Make it Simple:

Even if you have never run games before, our step by step instructions make it absolutely simple to plan and run a games event.

Your first preparation is to watch our group playing the games on the DVD, which includes specific instructions to get each game started.  Once you’ve chosen the games you like, there are simple written instructions in your notes.

Facilitators are likely to find running games it fun and rewarding, it doesn’t require any personality type except being able to project an inclusive, enthusiastic mood.

Other Preparations:

To make it really simple, we have prepared a short list of the equipment you need. You can purchase everything required from $2 shops (discount stores) for a very modest budget, or substitute something else where money is very limited.  You won’t need to spend more than $2 - $3 per person on the equipment.

Getting Ready:

The thing we always remember is that the overall aim is for your group to enjoy themselves.

We make it easy by giving you the clearest possible instructions, so even if you haven’t lead games before you can feel confident.  

Along with a clipboard; our “Facilitator says (always shown in italic) / Facilitator Does” format means you’ll know exactly what to do and say at all times

If you are inexperienced at leading, you could practice the instructions with a friend or in front of the mirror so it will seem natural when you instruct your group

Choosing Games for Your Group

We include a table at the top of each instruction sheet (more on this below) that will help you choose which games will suit your group.

The criteria to consider are:
- Size of your group
- Time available
- Playing indoors or outdoors
- How well the group know each other
- How active and mobile the players are

Safety is Your Responsibility:

A key issue for facilitators is the safety of all participants.  Throughout each game, you must be be mindful of care and caution.

You must “spot”, which means being very observant and making sure everyone looks physically comfortable. Don’t force anyone to participate, allow people to drop out of games if they don’t look happy and help, or photograph or observe

Have both a basic first aid kit and if indoors, some frozen peas on standby

Facilitation Skills

The following simple skills will assist you run the games, and you will see Cate use these often in the DVD.

Model the behaviours by going first

What looks like us going first is quite important as it gives a huge clue as to how the game should be played.  Most people will just unconsciously do (or “model”) what the first person did.  So this sets the mood for each game, gives people and expectation of how much time each thing might take or how “personal” to make your contribution

Read out rules and get game started quickly

Don’t spend too long going over the rules, even if people look confused.  I find it people learn by doing so it is best to get the game going quickly as most people don’t listen terribly well.  Once the game is started answer questions and then clarify rules if they are broken (for eg “no talking! no peeking” etc)

End the game when it is still fun

Some games have a natural end point, but for some it will be best to step in and finish before the energy wanes.  

Have your equipment laid out and ready

For fast, seamless transition between games, have equipment at the ready

Ask for helpers and volunteers to keep things moving quickly

You may get asked questions that are not on the instructions, so just answer them with common sense and a bit of flexibility. Be consistent with rules for all players

In general be prepared, enthusiastic, aware, positive and flexible to create a fun environment.

(Example)

Size of Group

Number of Leaders and Helpers

Level of Prior Familiarity

Games suit 8 - 30 people, sometimes more

Most games can be run by one person, some require a helper

How comfortable people feel with each other and the games

Approximate Time

Area Required

Level of Physicality

How much time to allow, of course, some games are so much fun you will want to keep playing! Larger groups will take longer

Notes on how much space is needed to run the game

Whether the game is active or
static, Commitment is the only very active game