Splat!

Name and Purpose

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-30 players | 15-25 minutes | Any open space large enough for a standing circle

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Players stand in a circle. One player is “It” in the centre.
“It” points at a player and calls “Splat!” That player ducks immediately.
The two players on either side of the ducker point at each other and call “Splat!” The slower one moves to the Splat Zone arc.
Players in the Splat Zone stay active: they cheer, keep score, or complete a mini challenge to earn re-entry.
Final two players do the Quick Draw. “It” counts; at a surprise number, both turn and splat. Winner stays in.

Setup and Boundaries

Players stand in a circle with about 1m of space between each person
Signal: one whistle to pause the round; two to end play
Splat Zone: a small arc just outside the circle, clearly visible, where sidelined players stay active

How to Play

Players stand in a circle. One volunteer starts as “It” in the centre.
“It” points at any player and calls “Splat!” That player ducks down quickly.
The two neighbours on either side of the ducker immediately point at each other and call “Splat!”
The player slower to call moves to the Splat Zone outside the circle.
Splat Zone players stay engaged: they keep a running tally of splats, do a physical challenge (3 hops, 2 claps) to earn re-entry within two rounds, or help “It” by holding the foam ball marker.
Play continues, with the circle spacing out slightly as the active group shrinks.
When two active players remain, they stand back to back. “It” counts aloud from 1. At a surprise number between 5 and 20, “It” calls “Splat!” instead of the number. Both players spin and splat each other. The faster player wins the round and can take over as “It.”

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Play in the circle as a full participant
S (Support): Splat Zone role: keep score, hold the foam ball, call encouragement
Q (Quiet): Stand in the circle without rushing; duck and let neighbours resolve the splat
O (Observer): Watch the Quick Draw finale, signal the count, or help “It” track who is in the Splat Zone

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who prefer not to duck can wave both hands instead of ducking; neighbours still resolve the splat
Splat Zone mini-challenge can be adapted to any ability level: seated clap, verbal challenge, or simply cheering counts

Stewardship Moment

No materials to clean up for the base version
If a foam ball is used, return it to the equipment bin at the end
Reflection: “We used only our voices and our bodies today. What does it feel like to play with less stuff?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves quick pointing and calling out. For those not comfortable being singled out by a point, the Splat Zone support role is a great way to stay in the action.”
Mid-game check: after 5 minutes, staff do a quick thumbs check; anyone can shift to a support role
Opt-out and re-entry: step to the Splat Zone at any time; complete the mini-challenge to re-enter

Risks and Mitigation

Players bumping into each other when ducking: ensure 1m spacing in the circle before play begins
Dispute over who splatted first: staff in the circle act as neutral caller; remind players the goal is fun, not winning
Fatigue in the Quick Draw finale: keep the count brisk; if both players are tired, let them do a seated version

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Mirror Hands”: pairs face each other and mirror hand movements for 30 seconds to sharpen reaction
“Freeze Frame”: staff call “freeze” during a slow walk; players stop instantly to practise reflex stopping

Debrief Questions

What? “What did you notice about your reaction speed as the game went on?”
So What? “Did it get easier or harder to stay focused? What helped?”
Now What? “Where in your day does quick thinking matter? What helps you stay ready?”

Cleanup and Reset