Six Flags

Name and Purpose

Six Flags is a large-scale strategy and movement game based on capture-the-flag principles.
Players practise teamwork, spatial awareness, decision-making under pressure, and communication.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 14-50 players | 20-40 minutes | Large open outdoor field with clear midline and defined boundaries

Materials

Long rope or tape to mark the midline
4 traffic cones to mark field boundaries
2 hula hoops (one per team, placed at their back boundary with at least 1 metre clearance)
6 flag strips: fabric, approx. 8cm wide by 60cm long, 3 per team in two contrasting colours
Optional: flag belts for players who prefer flag-pull over shoulder-tag

Quick-Run Card

Mark the field with midline rope and place hula hoops at each team’s back boundary.
Place 3 flags per team inside their hoop. Divide players evenly into two teams.
Players cross to grab opposing flags and return them to their own side without being tagged.
Tagged players sit where tagged. Teammates free them with a two-handed tag; freed players return directly to their own side.
First team to collect all 6 flags wins. If time runs out, the team with more flags wins.

Setup and Boundaries

Lay the rope across the centre of the field to create two sides
Mark field corners with cones
Each hula hoop sits at the far end of each team’s side, at least 1 metre from the boundary
Signal: 1 whistle = pause; 2 whistles = stop and gather at midline
Designate a judge or counsellor to monitor the hoop zone and flag-carrying rules
Check field for holes, uneven terrain, or obstacles before play

How to Play

Divide players into two equal teams. Assign each a side.
Players may freely move on their own side. To cross to the opposing side, they go over the midline.
On the opposing side, players try to reach the hula hoop, grab a flag (holding only the bottom quarter), and return to their side.
The flag must remain visible at all times. No hiding in fists, pockets, or clothing.
If tagged by an opposing player while on their side, the player sits where tagged and waits.
A teammate may free a sitting player by tagging them with both hands. The freed player returns directly to their own side before doing anything else.
Freed players may not divert to the hoop on the way back. Both feet must cross the midline to their side first.
Players must have at least one foot inside the hoop to be safe. Once they step out, they must attempt to return to their side.
A 3-metre buffer zone around sitting players: opponents cannot guard from inside that zone (moving pursuit is fine).
Tagging is torso-only: no head, neck, or legs. Remind players the target zone is from shoulders to hips.
First team with all 6 flags on their side wins. If time expires, the team with more flags wins.
No sliding, especially near the hoop.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Sprint into opposing territory, grab flags, free teammates
S (Support): Guard your team’s hoop; coordinate strategy with teammates
Q (Quiet): Move carefully and methodically; act as a decoy or distraction
O (Observer): Watch from your team’s side one round; join on the next whistle

Inclusion Adaptations

Flag-belt variation: replace shoulder-tag with flag-pull for all players or for those who prefer it
Players who prefer lower-intensity roles can serve as team judge, flag counter, or sideline strategist

Stewardship Moment

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves physical tagging (torso only). For those not comfortable with contact, flag belts are another option. Let your counsellor know before we start.”
Mid-game check: After 10 minutes, pause briefly. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How’s everyone going?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Players can step to the sideline at any time. They rejoin on the next whistle as an active player on their side.

Risks and Mitigation

Collision near the hoop: no sliding rule enforced from the start; cone spacing keeps approach clear
Aggressive tagging: torso-only rule stated at pre-brief and enforced consistently
Sitting players in running path: sitting players raise one hand so runners can see them
Older players dominating younger ones: mixed-age teams balanced by counsellor

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Team Name”: each team has 2 minutes to agree on a team name and a cheer
“Flag Grab Practice”: each player grabs a flag from the hoop and returns to the midline; gets them familiar with the mechanics

Debrief Questions

What? “What was the most important decision your team made during the game?”
So What? “How did your team communicate? What worked, what did not?”
Now What? “Where else do you need to balance risk and strategy with a team?”

Cleanup and Reset