• Condom cards (printed double-sided)

This activity is about looking at the different steps that are involved in putting on a condom correctly. The game can be played in a variety of ways. Choose the option below that best serves your needs.

• Large group: Provide participants with a card set and ask them to work as a group to place the cards in the correct order.
• Small group: Make multiple card sets, divide participants into small groups, and have them race against each other to sequence their cards.
• Line up: Hand out one condom card from the set to each participant. Ask them to arrange themselves in a line representing the correct arrangement. If you don’t have 12 participants, give the cards to the whole group or more than one card to some participants. If you have more than 12 participants, print off some extra consent cards as they can easily be placed at multiple points of the sequence.

Follow the instructions as detailed in step 1.

Correct order:

1. Get consent from your partner
2. Look at the wrapper
3. Open the condom packet carefully and remove condom
4. Check condom is around the right way for unrolling
5. Squeeze the tip of the condom to remove air
6. While holding the tip, place condom on top of penis/toy/etc
7. Roll condom down entire length of penis/toy/etc
8. Apply water-based lubricant
9. Sexy times
10. Hold base of condom while withdrawing
11. Remove the condom, tie a knot in it and put it in the bin

1. Consent from partner

Q: Why is consent important?

A: If someone does not give permission or consent, this is sexual assault, and it can have legal consequences. Consenting to one activity (such as kissing or oral sex) does not mean consenting to others (such as vaginal or anal sex). If at any point during intercourse, someone wants to stop or not do something, that decision needs to be respected. Consenting on one occasion does not mean you have to consent again in the future. It’s important to frequently check in with the other person/s to make sure they are comfortable with what’s happening.

Someone is unable to consent when they:

• Are drunk/under the influence of a substance
• Feel threatened, tricked or deceived
• Are asleep or unconscious
• Can’t understand what they’re consenting to
• Believe they can’t or don’t have a right to say ‘no’

2. Look at the wrapper

Q: What can happen if a condom has expired or there’s no air bubble in it?

A: An old condom might break. Condoms are best stored in a cool, dry place. Make sure the packaging states that the condom meets Australian standards. Give participants condoms so they can check their expiry dates.

An air bubble is specifically added to the condom to protect it from damage. If you can feel the bubble, it means there aren’t any holes in the packaging and the condom is intact. Check for the bubble by gently squeezing the package between your thumb and first finger.

3. Open the condom packet carefully and remove condom

Q: Why be careful when opening a condom packet?

A: To avoid accidentally tearing the condom. Open the packet with your hands, not your teeth. Be careful of sharp nails as well.

4. Check condom is around the right way for unrolling

Q: Which way is the right way?

A: The rubber ring of the condom should be on the outside (like the image on the card). Show participants a condom which is around the right and wrong way, or better still, get them to show you!

Q: What should you do if you put a condom on the wrong way?

A: If you accidently roll it the wrong way, throw it away and use a new condom. If you turn it around, the condom could have sexual fluids on it and result in STIs or pregnancy.

5. Squeeze tip of condom to remove air

Q: Why is it important to remove air from the condom?

A: To reduce friction and the chance of it breaking.

6. Apply water-based lubricant

Q: How can lubricant help?

A: Lubricant can reduce the chance of the condom breaking, reduce discomfort and increase pleasure.

7. Hold base of condom while withdrawing

Q: Why is it important to hold the base of the condom?

A: Holding on to the condom at base of penis/toy when withdrawing it, helps to stop:

• Any sexual fluid from coming out of the condom
• The condom remaining in the body
• The condom from accidentally slipping off

Q: If the condom has ejaculate in it, what should we be careful about?

A: Sexual fluids which can result in STIs or pregnancy.

8. Remove the condom, tie a knot in it and put it in the bin

Q: Why put a condom in the bin? (And not in the toilet!)

A: Flushing a condom down the toilet can cause plumbing problems and pollute our environment!

This activity was adapted from the activity ‘Condom Card Game’, from: Playsafe Pro NSW, available at https://pro.playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/games/condom-card-game/