Monarch

Name and Purpose

Monarch is a fast-moving tag game where the tagged team grows and must work together without being able to run with the ball.
Players practise throwing accuracy, team communication, and quick movement.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-30 players | 15-25 minutes | Open flat field or gymnasium; at least 15m x 20m; free of obstacles

Materials

1 soft foam or Gator ball (heavy enough to throw accurately; soft enough to be painless on contact)
Cones for boundary markers

Quick-Run Card

Mark boundaries; one player starts as the Monarch (the only “It”).
The Monarch runs with the ball and tries to hit a free player.
Any player hit by the ball becomes a Monarch; with 2+ Monarchs, the ball-holder may no longer move.
Monarchs pass the ball to position for throws; free players dodge.
Round ends when one free player remains; that player earns recognition and may choose the next Monarch.

Setup and Boundaries

Mark boundaries clearly with cones
Signal: 1 whistle = pause (“Monarchs show yourselves!” check-in); 2 whistles = end of round
Check the surface for obstacles or wet patches before play
Staff should be aware of any campers with throwing or catching limitations

How to Play

Choose the first Monarch by volunteer or group consensus.
The Monarch picks up the ball and may run freely with it. The goal is to hit a free player with the ball.
A player hit by the thrown ball becomes a Monarch. They join the Monarch team.
Once there are 2 or more Monarchs, the rules change: the Monarch holding the ball must stand still. They may pass the ball to other Monarchs who are also standing still when they hold it.
Monarchs work together to position and throw to hit free players.
Free players dodge, move, and work together to keep away from the ball.
Check-in: at any point, the leader calls “Monarchs, show yourselves!” Play pauses; Monarchs crouch and touch the ground so everyone can see who is who. Play resumes on “Monarchs, go get them.”
The round ends when one free player remains. That player is celebrated and may choose the next Monarch.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Play as a free runner or as an active throwing Monarch
S (Support): Focus on ball movement and positioning within the Monarch team; call out gaps to teammates
Q (Quiet): Stay near the boundary edge as a free player; walk-pace dodging is valid
O (Observer): Watch a round from the sideline; join as a free player at the next round start

Inclusion Adaptations

Free players may walk rather than run; the ball-holder-stands-still rule naturally limits the speed advantage of the Monarch team
Players with throwing limitations may be a Monarch “Blocker” who intercepts free players moving toward gaps; no throwing required

Stewardship Moment

One-minute sweep: collect the ball and cones together after the round
Reflection: “What changed about how the Monarch team worked when more people joined?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves being hit by a soft thrown ball. For those not comfortable with direct ball hits, the role of sideline counter (counting how many free players remain) is another option.”
Mid-game check: After the first Monarch joins, pause. “How is everyone feeling? Any adjustments?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player may step to the sideline at any time by raising both hands. They rejoin as a free player at the next round start.

Risks and Mitigation

Ball thrown too hard: use only soft foam or Gator balls; staff models a medium-effort throw during demo
Free players crowding a corner: remind free players to spread out and use the full boundary
Last free player feeling hunted: “Monarchs show yourselves!” check-in gives them a moment to reorient; staff may call a brief pause before the final throw

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Pass and Freeze”: pairs practise passing and immediately freezing; builds the key Monarch mechanic
“Dodgeball Walk”: in slow motion, players practise dodging a gently rolled ball

Debrief Questions

What? “What changed about the game when the Monarch team got bigger?”
So What? “What made the Monarch team effective or ineffective at working together?”
Now What? “When have you been part of a group where you had to adjust your role as the group grew?”

Cleanup and Reset