Name & Purpose Bronco Tag builds quick decision-making and teamwork. Pairs stick together under pressure while one runner weaves through the group hunting for safety.
a.k.a. Elbow Tag, Link Tag, Partner Tag
Age Band / Group Size / Time / Space Ages 8β16 | 10β40 players | 10β20 minutes | Medium open field or gym
Materials None
Quick-Run Card
- Everyone pairs up and locks elbows.
- Pick one Chaser and one Runner.
- Runner escapes by locking elbows with any pair β the far-end partner breaks off and becomes the new Runner.
- If the Chaser tags the Runner, they swap roles instantly.
- Keep going until energy fades, then rotate who starts as Chaser.
Setup & Boundaries Mark a clear boundary β cones or natural landmarks work great. Pairs need enough room to stand with locked elbows without blocking movement. Spread pairs across the space before you start. Brief everyone on the boundary edge: step outside it and the action pauses.
How to Play Every player joins a pair and locks elbows with their partner. Choose one Chaser and one Runner. The Chaser chases the Runner. The Runner saves themselves by running up to any pair and locking elbows with one end of that pair. The moment they link, the player on the opposite end of that trio must let go and sprint β they are now the Runner. If the Chaser tags the Runner before they link, the two swap roles immediately. Play continues non-stop. No one sits out. Everyone stays active the whole time.
I-OPt Roles Offer players three simultaneous options each round:
- Active Runner/Chaser β run hard, chase, dodge, link up with pairs as fast as possible.
- Anchor Pair β stay mostly in place, be a reliable safe-link target, shout encouragement to the Runner.
- Roving Pair β drift around the space strategically, positioning yourselves to help or complicate the chase.
Inclusion Supports
- Players who use wheelchairs or mobility aids pair with an active partner; the mobile partner does the chasing/running while the seated player acts as the safe-link anchor β the rule of ‘link and release’ still applies.
- Players who need low-impact options walk briskly instead of run; mark a ‘walking lane’ along the edge where walking pairs stand.
- For mixed ability groups, allow any body-touch (hand, elbow, shoulder) instead of only elbow-lock to form a link.
- Use a verbal signal (‘Link!’) in addition to physical contact for players with sensory needs.
Stewardship Action: Before the next round, each pair picks up any litter or adjusts cones so the space stays safe. 30-sec reflection: Ask β ‘How did the space help or hinder you? What would make it better for everyone?’
Consent Pre-brief: ‘We lock elbows in this game. Does everyone feel okay with elbow contact? Speak up now or anytime.’ Offer fist-bump linking as an alternative. Mid-game check-in: After 5 minutes, pause and ask ‘Thumbs up, sideways, or down β how is everyone feeling?’ Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step to the sideline at any time by raising both hands. They re-enter by calling ‘In!’ and stepping back to a pair.
Risks & Mitigation
| Risk | Likelihood | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder or elbow strain from jerky linking | Medium | Remind players to link gently; model a soft elbow-lock before the game |
| Collision between fast-moving players | Medium | Set a firm boundary; use walk-speed for the first round as a warm-up |
| One player monopolises Runner role | Low | Rotate Chaser/Runner every 3 minutes by counsellor call |
| Pair imbalance (odd number) | Low | Counsellor joins as third in a trio, or create one group of three where middle player can link either side |
Warm-Up Suggestions
- ‘Elbow Shake’ β mingle and greet five people using only elbow bumps.
- ‘Pair Freeze’ β pairs walk together locked; on ‘freeze’ they stop instantly β builds awareness of linked movement.
Debrief What? ‘What happened when you linked with a new pair? How did it feel to suddenly become the Runner?’ So what? ‘What did you notice about working as a pair when someone else was being chased your way?’ Now what? ‘Where in your daily life do you rely on someone else for safety or backup?’
Cleanup & Reset Collect any cones. Check the play space for hazards before and after. Return any borrowed equipment.
