Name & Purpose Line Runner Tag is a structured chasing game with built-in role rotation. Players squat in a line and pop in and out of the chase β nobody waits long, and the Chaser can swap at any time. Strategy matters as much as speed.
a.k.a. Oval Tag, Queue Tag, Go Chase
Age Band / Group Size / Time / Space Ages 8β16 | 10β30 players | 10β20 min | Medium outdoor field or gym (enough space for an oval)
Materials
- 4β8 boundary cones to mark the oval
- Optional: poly-spots or floor markers to show squat positions in the line
Quick-Run Card Everyone squats in a line along the oval’s centre. Player at one end = Runner (stands up, runs). Player at the other end = Chaser (stands up, starts chasing). Chaser picks a direction around the oval β no switching direction mid-chase. As the Chaser runs past squatters, they can tap any squatter’s back β that squatter becomes the Chaser, and the original Chaser fills the gap. If the Chaser tags the Runner, Runner joins the end of the line and the Chaser becomes the new Runner. Start again.
Setup & Boundaries Mark an oval track with cones β roughly 15β20 m long and 5β8 m wide. The line of squatters sits along the centre. Each squatter faces outward (alternating directions is optional but fun). Designate the “Runner end” and “Chaser end” of the line clearly before play.
How to Play
- Everyone sits or squats in the line facing alternating directions.
- The player at the Runner end stands and runs.
- The player at the Chaser end stands and picks a direction (left or right around the oval) β cannot change once running.
- As the Chaser runs, they may tap any squatter on the back. That squatter immediately stands and becomes the new Chaser. The original Chaser drops into the gap left in the line.
- The Runner cannot re-enter the line until tagged or until the next round begins.
- If the Chaser tags the Runner: Runner joins the far end of the line; Chaser becomes the new Runner.
- Round resets β new Runner and Chaser emerge from opposite ends.
I-OPt Roles All three styles active simultaneously:
- Strategist (Searcher): While squatting, watches the Chaser’s speed and route β ready to become the new Chaser at the optimal moment when tapped.
- Pacer (Performer): As Runner or Chaser, controls speed β sprinting when the gap closes, jogging to conserve energy for longer chases.
- Gap Filler (Relater): Reads the line, moves smoothly into gaps when Chaser taps them, helps the line stay organised and tight.
Inclusion Supports
- Players who cannot squat can sit on a low stool or a folded mat β equally valid.
- Players with mobility differences can hold a stationary Chaser role: they tap runners who pass within reach, and a mobile Chaser runs for them.
- Shorter oval for players who tire quickly.
- Allow walking speed only for mixed-mobility groups.
Stewardship Collect cones and spots together. 30-second reflection: “Everyone in the line played a role even when they weren’t running. How does being ready β even in waiting β matter?”
Consent Pre-brief: “The Chaser taps squatters on the back β a clear, light tap. If you’d rather not be tapped on the back, raise your hand and I’ll mark you as ‘tap on shoulder only’ β just as easy.” Mid-game check-in: After 3 minutes, counsellor pauses play briefly: “Pace okay? Anyone need water?” Opt-out/re-entry: Players sit outside the line with arms crossed. They re-enter by sliding into the end of the line at the start of any new round.
Risks & Mitigation
| Risk | Likelihood | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Chaser and Runner collide on oval | Low | Mark the oval clearly; Chaser stays on outside, Runner on inside |
| Squatter stands too slowly after tap | Low | Practise the tap-swap in a slow walk-through before full speed |
| Line spacing uneven β gaps too large | Low | Use poly-spots or markers for squat positions |
| Runner tired β chase lasts too long | Medium | Counsellor sets a 60-second time limit; if no tag, swap roles anyway |
Warm-Up Suggestions
- “Tap and Swap”: in pairs, one person taps the other’s shoulder and they swap positions β 10 quick rounds.
- Slow jog around the oval once as a group before play begins.
Debrief What? “What did the Chaser think about when deciding which squatter to tap?” So what? “How did it feel to be in the line β watching, waiting, ready?” Now what? “In a team situation, how do you stay ready and engaged even when it’s not your turn to lead?”
Cleanup & Reset Collect cones and poly-spots. Reset under 2 minutes.
Notes With groups under 12, shorten the line to 8 players and run a tighter oval. With groups over 25, run two simultaneous ovals side by side.
