Name & Purpose: Spider Tag is a chase-and-capture game with two modes β daylight and dark room. Tagged players build a living web in the centre. It builds teamwork, spatial awareness, and creative physical connection.
a.k.a.: Web Tag, Spinner Tag, Trap & Weave Tag
Age Band / Group Size / Time / Space: 8β16 years / 10β30 players / 15β25 minutes / Large open area (Method 1: outdoor/gym. Method 2: large dark indoor room)
Materials: Method 1: Cones for boundary. Method 2: Neon jerseys or flags and headlamps or flashlights for all Humans.
Quick-Run Card: Method 1 β Two Spiders chase. Tagged Humans go to the Web (centre), lie on backs, and connect using hands, arms, legs to form a web structure. Free Humans can rescue up to 2 webbed players by touching them. All caught? Spiders pick 2 new Spiders. Method 2 (Dark Room) β Same core, but in darkness. Humans wear neon and carry lights. Walking only. Timed 2.5-minute rounds. Rescue mechanic active.
Setup & Boundaries: Method 1: Mark a clear boundary. Designate the centre as the Web zone. Choose 2 Spiders. Method 2: Clear the dark room of all hazards. Distribute neon gear and lights to Humans. Spiders get no lights. Confirm all players know the room layout before lights go off.
How to Play β Method 1: Two Spiders chase Humans. Tagged Humans walk to the Web zone and lie on their backs. Webbed players connect to each other using hands, arms, legs, and heads to form a web-like structure. Free Humans can touch a webbed player to rescue them (max 2 rescues per free Human). When all Humans are in the Web, Spiders choose 2 webbed players to become the next Spiders. Reset and play again.
How to Play β Method 2 (Dark Room): Humans wear neon and carry flashlights β lights must stay on. No running β fast walking only. Play in 2.5-minute rounds. Spiders chase and tag in the dark. Tagged Humans go to the Web. After each round, Spiders choose one webbed player to become an “Egg” (sit in a ball near the Web). Next round, Eggs become Spiders and discard Human gear. Free Humans can rescue up to 2 webbed players per round by touching them. Play until all players are webbed, Eggs, or Spiders.
I-OPt Roles: Human β evade, rescue webbed teammates, manage your light. Spider β hunt in the dark (Method 2) or chase in daylight, coordinate with partner. Web Architect β once in the Web, direct how players connect to build the most interesting web structure (creative leadership from the ground).
Inclusion Supports: The Web Architect role is active and creative without requiring running. In Method 2, the no-running rule equalises speed. Players who cannot lie on the ground can sit in the Web and connect using arms only. For Method 2, players anxious about darkness can carry an extra-bright light or stay near the Web as a Rescue Specialist.
Stewardship: Collect all neon gear and flashlights. Check the room/field for dropped items. Reflection prompt: “The Web grew into something none of you planned. What did it feel like to build something together from the ground?”
Consent: Pre-brief: “Method 1 involves lying on your back and connecting with other players using hands, arms, and legs. If lying down or physical connection is not comfortable, you can sit in the Web and connect with arms only. Method 2 is in the dark β if darkness is not right for you, carry the brightest light or be a Web Architect near the lit Web zone. Step out any time. Re-enter next round as any role.” Mid-game check-in: Method 2 β pause after round 1 with lights on briefly. “Everyone OK? Room safe?” Opt-out/re-entry: Web Architect or sideline; re-enter next round.
Risks & Mitigation:
| Risk | Likelihood | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Method 2: collisions in darkness | High | No running rule strict; clear room of hazards before play |
| Uncomfortable physical contact in the Web | Medium | Brief: connect with hands and arms, not bodies; sit alternative available |
| Method 2: anxiety from darkness | Medium | Extra-bright light option; Web zone is always lit; opt-out available |
| Players stepping on webbed players | Low | Web zone clearly marked; webbed players call “Web here!” |
Warm-Up Suggestions: Web Shape Challenge β in groups of 4, lie on the ground and form a connected shape in 30 seconds. Flashlight Tag (Method 2 prep) β walk in the dark room, tag others with your flashlight beam only.
Debrief: What? “What did the finished Web look like β and how did you decide how to connect?” So what? “How did rescuing teammates change your strategy?” Now what? “When do you build something with others where no one person controls the design?”
Cleanup & Reset: Collect all neon jerseys, flashlights, and cones. Head count in full light before leaving the room.
