Off the Ground Tag

Name and Purpose

Off the Ground Tag combines movement and strategy as players use the environment to stay safe.
Players practise spatial awareness, quick decisions, and cooperative use of shared space.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-25 players | 10-20 minutes | Large outdoor space with safe-to-climb surfaces (benches, low walls, logs, stumps) or a gym with low platforms

Materials

4 cones for outer boundary markers
Existing safe-to-climb structures within the play area (benches, low walls, stumps, gym platforms)
No additional equipment needed

Quick-Run Card

Define the boundary with cones. Identify and point out all safe-to-climb surfaces.
One player starts as “It.”
“It” can only tag players who are on the ground. Being on any raised surface = safe.
Players may only stay off the ground for 10-15 seconds (agreed before starting).
Tagged player becomes the new “It.” The player who just became “It” may not immediately tag the person who tagged them.

Setup and Boundaries

Mark the outer boundary with 4 cones; all play happens inside it
Walk the space before play and point out which surfaces are safe to climb (stable, low, no sharp edges)
Exclude any surface that is wet, unstable, or too high (above knee height for most groups)
Signal: 1 short whistle = pause; 2 short whistles = stop and gather
Check ground for holes, roots, slippery patches, or debris before play

How to Play

One player starts as “It” (staff plays first round if the group needs a model).
All players move freely in the boundary. “It” chases players on the ground.
A player on any safe raised surface cannot be tagged.
Players may only stay on a raised surface for 10-15 seconds (count aloud together). After that, they must return to the ground.
When “It” tags a player on the ground, that player becomes the new “It.”
The new “It” may not immediately tag the player who just tagged them (the “butcher” rule from the original, preserved here).
No one sits out. If a player needs a break, they stand at the boundary and rejoin on the next tag.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Run freely, use elevated surfaces strategically, chase as “It”
S (Support): Help teammates spot open safe zones; call out “surface free!” to direct others
Q (Quiet): Move at walking pace, use safe zones often, stay near the boundary
O (Observer): Watch a round from outside the boundary, then re-enter when ready

Inclusion Adaptations

Players with limited mobility may use a designated ground-level safe zone (a marked circle with a cone) with a 15-second timer, equal to the elevated surfaces
“It” role can be shared: two players hold a short rope between them and tag as a pair, slowing the pace and reducing individual pressure

Stewardship Moment

Before the game, the group checks the climbing surfaces together: “Is it safe? Is it stable? Is it kind to the space?”
After play, return any moved objects (benches, stumps) to their original positions

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves climbing on low surfaces like benches or logs. For those not comfortable with climbing, there is a ground-level safe zone marked with a cone that works the same way.”
Mid-game check: After 5 minutes, pause. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How is everyone feeling? Adjust your approach anytime.”
Opt-out/re-entry: Step to the boundary at any time by raising a hand. Rejoin by calling “In!” on the next tag.

Risks and Mitigation

Falling from elevated surfaces: pre-screen surfaces for stability and height; limit to knee-height maximum for most groups
Crowding on a single surface: if more than 3 players are on one surface, staff calls “spread out” and points to other safe zones
Tripping during fast direction changes: remind players to slow before changing direction; walk-start the first round

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Touch and Return”: players run to touch a boundary cone and return to centre; builds spatial awareness of the space
“Statue Freeze”: leader calls “freeze”; players freeze in place, then resume. Builds the pause-response reflex before play.

Debrief Questions

What? “What surfaces did you use? Did you have a strategy?”
So What? “How did it feel when you needed to get off the surface but “It” was close?”
Now What? “When in life do you need to find a safe space to regroup before jumping back in?”

Cleanup and Reset