Section 8: Safety Considerations
Running Surface
- Inspect the play area before starting for holes, rocks, broken glass, roots, sprinkler heads, and uneven ground
- Grass is the safest surface for running games; it provides cushioning for falls
- Asphalt and concrete increase the severity of falls — players should be reminded to be cautious on hard surfaces
- Wet surfaces (grass after rain, wet blacktop) are significantly more slippery and increase fall risk. Consider postponing play or reducing the play area.
- Sand and gravel provide soft landings but can cause twisted ankles and reduced traction
- Indoor play on gym floors requires non-marking athletic shoes for proper traction
Age-Appropriate Rules
- Ages 3 to 5: Use walking tag (no running) or slow-motion tag. Boundaries should be very small. Simple freeze tag with easy unfreezing (a touch) works well. Adult supervision is essential.
- Ages 6 to 8: Standard tag rules apply with clearly marked boundaries. Introduce Freeze Tag, TV Tag, and Shadow Tag. Keep group sizes manageable (5 to 10).
- Ages 9 to 12: All variants are appropriate. Players can handle larger group sizes, team-based variants (Zombie, Blob, Sharks and Minnows), and more complex rules. Self-governance works well at this age.
- Teens and adults: All variants including night games (Flashlight Tag), larger-scale games (British Bulldog, Capture Tag), and competitive scoring. Physical intensity is highest in this age group — emphasize no-pushing and no-tackling rules.
Boundary Awareness
- Set boundaries at least 6 feet (2 meters) from any wall, fence, road, parking area, body of water, or steep drop-off
- If playing near a road, designate an adult spotter or use cones and barriers to prevent players from running into traffic
- Swimming pool areas require special caution — no running on pool decks, and only play pool tag (Marco Polo) while swimming, not on the deck
- Playground equipment boundaries should be clearly communicated — decide before play whether climbing structures are in-bounds or out-of-bounds
Hydration and Rest
- Tag is high-intensity exercise involving repeated sprints. Players should have water available and take breaks every 15 to 20 minutes.
- In hot weather (above 85°F / 30°C), shorten play periods, ensure shade is available, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating or lack of sweating)
- In cold weather, players generate significant body heat while running but cool rapidly when standing still (as in Freeze Tag). Layered clothing is recommended.
- Players who feel dizzy, short of breath, or unwell should stop playing immediately and rest
Collision Prevention
- Players should be instructed to watch where they are running and avoid collisions with other players
- In games with multiple ITs (Zombie Tag, Blob Tag), collisions are more likely as players focus on evading multiple chasers. Remind players to keep their heads up.
- Players should slow down when approaching boundaries, walls, or fences rather than running full-speed into them
- In Blob Tag, the connected chain of players can be a collision hazard — the Blob should move at a pace that all members can safely maintain
Nighttime Play Safety (Flashlight Tag)
- Walk the entire play area in daylight before playing to identify and mark hazards
- Remove or clearly flag any tripping hazards (garden hoses, stakes, low chains, uneven sidewalk joints)
- Set boundaries tighter than daytime play to keep all players within a manageable area
- Establish a "freeze" call — when any player shouts "freeze," all players must stop moving immediately (used for safety situations)
- All players should carry or wear a small light source (glow stick, reflective bracelet) so they can be seen and avoid collisions
- An adult supervisor should be present with an additional flashlight for safety oversight
Supervision and First Aid
- For children under 8, direct adult supervision is strongly recommended
- For children ages 8 to 12, an adult should be present in the area and aware that the game is being played
- A basic first aid kit should be accessible at the play location (adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, ice pack)
- Establish a rule that play stops immediately when any player is injured, regardless of the game state
- Know the location of the nearest phone for emergency calls
Inclusive Play
- Adapt rules to include players with physical disabilities — wheelchair users, players with limited mobility, or players with visual impairments can all participate with simple adjustments
- Consider "walking only" rounds for groups with mixed mobility levels
- For players with sensory sensitivities, provide advance notice of loud calls or signals used in the game
- Ensure no player is excluded or consistently targeted. Rotate IT selection methods to give everyone a turn in different roles.