What are player roles in Capture the Flag?

Section 4: Players & Officials

Minimum players: 4 total (2 per team)
Recommended: 10-20 total (5-10 per team)
Maximum: No formal limit; large-scale games with 20+ players per team are common at camps and organized events
Teams must have an equal number of players. If numbers are uneven, one player may sit out or rotate between teams each round.

While all players are equal, teams typically assign informal roles based on strategy:

Attackers (Runners): Fast players who attempt to cross into enemy territory, evade defenders, and capture the flag.
Defenders (Guards): Players who patrol their own territory to tag intruders and protect the flag.
Midfielders: Players who position themselves near the boundary line to support both offense and defense.
Jail Breakers: Players who specifically target the enemy jail to free captured teammates.
Scouts: Players who cross the boundary to gather information about enemy flag placement and defensive positions before committing to a full run.

Casual play: No officials required. Players self-officiate using the honor system.
Organized play: One or two neutral referees are recommended to settle disputes, monitor boundaries, confirm flag captures, and ensure safety.
Large events: Additional line judges may be stationed along boundaries and at jail zones.

Minimum players: 4 total (2 per team)
Recommended: 10-20 total (5-10 per team)
Maximum: No formal limit; large-scale games with 20+ players per team are common at camps and organized events
Teams must have an equal number of players. If numbers are uneven, one player may sit out or rotate between teams each round.

While all players are equal, teams typically assign informal roles based on strategy:

Attackers (Runners): Fast players who attempt to cross into enemy territory, evade defenders, and capture the flag.
Defenders (Guards): Players who patrol their own territory to tag intruders and protect the flag.
Midfielders: Players who position themselves near the boundary line to support both offense and defense.
Jail Breakers: Players who specifically target the enemy jail to free captured teammates.
Scouts: Players who cross the boundary to gather information about enemy flag placement and defensive positions before committing to a full run.

Casual play: No officials required. Players self-officiate using the honor system.
Organized play: One or two neutral referees are recommended to settle disputes, monitor boundaries, confirm flag captures, and ensure safety.
Large events: Additional line judges may be stationed along boundaries and at jail zones.