Category Dash

Name and Purpose

• Category Dash is a high-energy running game built around quick thinking and movement.
• Players practise decision-making, agility, and strategic thinking as the caller roles grow.

a.k.a.

• Car Lot, Fruit Run

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 12-40 players | 15-25 minutes | Large open field or gym, minimum 20m x 30m

Materials

• 4-8 cones for boundary markers
• Optional: coloured bibs or pinnies to identify callers
• Flat, even playing surface

Quick-Run Card

1. Mark boundaries with cones. Choose a category (e.g., fruit, animals, colours).
2. Two players start as “It” in the centre of the field.
3. All other players line up at one end and silently choose one of three announced items.
4. “It” players call an item. Players who chose it run to the far end without being tagged.
5. Tagged players sit where tagged; they may tag passers. If they tag someone, both players stand and re-enter the game.

Setup and Boundaries

• Mark a rectangle with cones (at least 20m x 30m for larger groups).
• Signal: 1 short whistle = pause; 2 short whistles = stop and gather.
• Check ground for wet patches, holes, or debris before play begins.
• Staff should be aware of any campers with movement or physical considerations.

How to Play

1. Two players start as “It” and stand in the centre of the play area.
2. “It” players announce a category (e.g., “The category is Fruit”) and call out three choices one at a time.
3. All lined-up players silently choose one of the three items. No sharing choices aloud.
4. “It” players call out one of the three items. Players who chose that item run to the opposite end of the field.
5. “It” players try to tag runners before they reach the far end.
6. Tagged players sit exactly where they were tagged. Seated players may reach out and tag passers in later rounds.
7. If a seated player tags a runner, both stand and re-enter the game as free runners. No one sits out for the entire game.
8. The round continues with “It” calling the remaining items, then a new category begins.
9. After several rounds, new volunteers take over as “It.”

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Run each round, try to dodge taggers, compete to reach the far end.
• S (Support): Play as a caller, announcing the category and items for the group.
• Q (Quiet): Walk-pace option along the boundary edge; same rules apply.
• O (Observer): Watch from the sideline, track how many rounds each item wins, choose when to join.

Inclusion Adaptations

• Walking-only lane along one boundary for players who need lower intensity.
• Players who use mobility aids may participate as callers or scorekeepers with full involvement.
• Verbal “freeze” signal in addition to whistle for players with hearing considerations.

Stewardship Moment

• Before the game, invite players to check the field for litter or hazards and clear them together.
• After play: “How did we use this space today? What would make it better for everyone?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This game involves running and being tagged by a light touch on the arm or shoulder. For those not comfortable with tagging contact, the caller role is another option, and there is a walking lane along the boundary.”
• Mid-game check: After two rounds, pause briefly. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How is everyone doing?”
• Opt-out/re-entry: Raise both hands to step out at any time. Call “In!” to rejoin as a runner or caller.

Risks and Mitigation

• Collision between runners: stagger start so not all players run at once; remind players to run in their own lane.
• Aggressive tagging: staff demonstrate a gentle shoulder-touch before the game starts.
• Player confusion over which item they chose: remind players their choice is personal and silent; no disputes.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Category Shout”: group shouts a category together (e.g., animals), then each person mimes one animal for ten seconds.
• Light jogging from one end of the field to the other twice before starting.

Debrief Questions

• What? “What category was your favourite to play with? Why?”
• So What? “What helped you make a fast decision when the item was called?”
• Now What? “Where else do you have to make a quick choice and commit to it?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Collect and count cones.
• Check the play area for any dropped items.
• Return bibs or pinnies to the equipment bin.