Flip the Bird

Name and Purpose

Flip the Bird is a cooperative keep-away and tag game where the group works together to protect each other from “It.”
It builds communication, spatial awareness, and quick decision-making in a fast-moving game.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Medium outdoor field or gym, approximately 20m x 20m, with clear boundaries

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Set boundaries with 4 cones. One player starts as “It.” Give the object to any other player.
“It” may only tag players who do NOT currently hold the object.
The group passes the object to protect whoever “It” is chasing.
Tagged players step to the Second Circle at the boundary. They complete a quick challenge to re-enter.
Play until the whistle blows; rotate “It” each round.

Setup and Boundaries

Place 4 cones to mark a clear play area (approx. 20m x 20m; adjust for group size)
Signal: 1 short whistle = pause; 2 whistles = stop and gather
Define Second Circle zone: a line or two cones just outside the boundary where tagged players wait briefly
Check ground for hazards before play

How to Play

One player volunteers or is chosen to start as “It.” “It” stands in the centre of the play area.
Give the object to any other player. “It” cannot tag the player holding the object.
On the start signal, “It” tries to tag players who do not have the object. The group passes or runs with the object to protect their teammates.
“It” may not intercept or catch the object directly (base rule; see variation below).
When “It” tags a player, that player moves immediately to the Second Circle at the edge of the space. They do 5 hops (or another simple task) and then re-enter the game as a free player.
After 2 minutes or when “It” has made 3 tags, rotate a new “It.” The previous “It” re-enters as a free player.
Variation: “It” may attempt to intercept the object. Adjust this rule based on the group’s comfort level.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Run freely; pass and receive the object; serve as “It”
S (Support): Call out positions to teammates, direct passes, track “It’s” location
Q (Quiet): Walk-pace player who holds the object as a safe “rest station” for the group
O (Observer): Watch from the sideline, count successful passes, choose when to join

Inclusion Adaptations

Walk-pace option: any player may choose to walk rather than run at any time; “It” adjusts their speed to match
Object-hold exemption: a player who needs a moment can hold the object and stand still briefly as a “safe base”

Stewardship Moment

Equipment used (rubber chicken, foam ball, cones) stores in 60 seconds
Ask: “We relied on each other to keep the object safe. Where else do you count on your group to have your back?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves running and light tagging. For anyone not comfortable with running at full pace, walking is always a great option and still helps your team.”
Mid-game check: After the first full round, pause. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How is everyone feeling? Anyone want to swap roles?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player may step to the side at any time by raising a hand. Call “In!” to re-enter on the next rotation.

Risks and Mitigation

Collisions when multiple players chase the same zone: remind “It” and runners to look up and give way
Rough tagging: clarify at the start that tags are a light touch on the shoulder or back only
One player always targeted as “It”: rotate “It” on a timer rather than waiting for tags to accumulate

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Hot Potato Circle”: stand in a circle and pass the object as fast as possible while music (or clapping) plays; whoever holds it when music stops does a silly move
Light jog around the boundary to settle into the space

Debrief Questions

What? “What made the passing work well? What made it hard?”
So What? “How did it feel to protect someone else? How did it feel to be protected?”
Now What? “How could you use this kind of teamwork in your cabin or group this week?”

Cleanup and Reset