Rough Contact Games
 

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The following games can be or are very rough, with much physical contact.  The players can expect to be bruised, contused and sore after playing.  These games are recommended only for Older  Boy Activities.

BEAR CAVE RACE:
(from MacFarlan, Allan.  Treasury of Memory Making Indian Campfires)
 

Four hoops, each about 2' in diameter are set up (or held) equidistant around a circle such that their sides are parallel to the radius of the circle.  Two racers, in bear attitude start from a marker between any two hoops.  They are on their hands and knees.  The goal is for each player to pass through each hoop in turn and get around the circle first.  He may only interfer with the other racer by shouldering him out of the way.  No hands or feet contact.  Growling is permitted.  Shouldering between hoops is also permitted.
variation:  the bears go in opposite directions.
variation:  more than two bears.
variation:  the patrols go in relay fashion.
 

Stuff a rubber ball into a long sock, and tie a 15 foot line or rope to it.  The person holding the rope lays down in the center and begins spinning the bola (sock with ball).  The others jump the rope as it spins by them.  If the rope touches or nicks a jumper he is out. Last one jumping is the winner.  (Variation, if agreed upon before hand, at the discretion of the spinner, if the rope entangles the feet of the jumper, the spinner may attempt to finish the hogtie before the jumper has freed his feet.)

The group divides into two teams (more equal in weight than numbers).  Each team has a defined area with a center line between them.  The depth of the areas is  dependent on the degree of roughness and amount of chasing desired in the game.)  At a given signal, team A attempts to pull, drag, carry or otherwise manuever the players of team B over the center line.  A time limit is set, at which the teams return to their areas and exchange roles.  A round consists of two goes so each team has played capturers and capturees once.  The winner of the round is the team with the greatest number (or weight) of opposing players across the center line.

(For larger older boys only, very rough):  The game is played with two teams of approximately equal weight.
Team A lines up with the largest player as post.  He holds the head of the next player in line under his arm, as does each player down the line, thus forming a linked line.  Team B rushes and or jumps upon the line trying to break the line.  Team B may be required to rush or jump one at a time, or may all attack at once.  (Perhaps the all at a time may be limited to the final round.)  The teams take turns forming the line and rushing the line.

A Ring is drawn on the ground, about 9 feet in diameter. (A piece of cloth will also work to mark the circle or space)   Two players of about equal weight enter the ring.  On the start signal, each attempts to push, shove, or otherwise force the other out of the circle.  If any portion of a player touches or passes outside the circle, he is the loser.  (Macfarlan p 223)
variation:  for a softer game, require the players to grasp opposite wrists.

A ring is drawn on the ground (or a piece of cloth about 5 to 8 feet square).  The players join hands (each grabbing the others wrists.)  On the signal "pull" they attempt to force each other to touch or step inside the circle.  If a player touches the circle, steps inside the circle, or loses his grip on his neighbor, he is out and the others close up his spot, after he leaves.  (This may be a team event, with the players either or segments of the circle, or interspersed.)  (Macfarlan p 225)
 

Two teams stand on parallel lines about 60 feet apart.  The object is for any player of either side to touch a hand of any player on the opposing team and dodge back safely to his base (behind his team's line).  Upon touching an opponent's hand, the player gives a whoop.  The team whose hand was touched attempts to catch that player before he returns to his base.  If he is caught, he is out and waits --as a Captive of War --behind his opponents team for the next round.  The next round could begin when all of one side was caught, or after a predetermined time period.)  (Notes:  The player touched need not be waiting behind his line.  Any number of players may be out from base on either team at the same time.)  (Macfarlan p 89)

The group is divided into two teams, not necessarily equal in numbers or size.  The goal of one team is to capture the second team and put them into a prison.  The goal of the second team is to avoid being captured.  A time limit may be set, and the game played in rounds with the teams alternating roles.  Variation:  Escape from the prison may be allowed if predefined.

Two players are designated.  One the rat, one the cat.  The other players form a circle.  The object is for the cat to catch the rat.  The circle helps the rat.  It tightens up to keep the cat from going through the circle, it opens up to let the rat through the circle.  (It is a struggle, the whole crowd weaving and pushing, letting the cat in, letting the rat out.)  Every time the positions change, the circle chants, "cat in, rat out" or "rat in, cat out" to keep the rat protection status known.

A 2x4x6' is laid on the ground.  The challengers each mount the 2x4 standing with one foot advanced from the other.  The right hand of each challenger is advanced.  At the signal "attack" each slaps at the others right hand with his right hand.  The first to touch the ground even with a toe loses.  This game is derived from the more rough version played on a log bridge in which the challengers attempt to force, push or shove the other from the bridge.  (Macfarlan p 242)

Two individuals are tied together at the ankles so that at most they can be twelve feet apart.  At the start signal, they wrestle, each attempting to pin the other.  The rope may be used in any fashion that does not damage the other player.

Two blindfolded individuals are tied together at the waist so they are 12' feet apart.  Each is given a pillow, or other soft sack thing.  At the start command, each starts to reel in rope.  Whenever either feels he is close enough, he may start hitting at the his opponent with his pillow.  This becomes a challenge to estimate how close the other is, and to know where to strike with the pillow.  It also makes a good spectator sport.

The entire group assumes the crab walk position. (This is facing up supported only by hands and feet.)  The object is to unbalance the other players so some other portion of their body touches the ground.  The last player in position wins.  (good for two or more players)
 

Two contestants each support a ball on the left arm, which is bent and held horizontal with the fist at the chest in such manner as to form a shelf.  On the shelf is placed a volleyball or basketball.  The object is to knock the opponents ball off his shelf, without losing one's own ball.

The group is divided into two teams, not necessarily equal in number or size.  One team is confined in a prison (a predefined area or enclosure).  The second team guards the prison to prevent the escape of the first team.  The object is for as many as possible of the confined team to escape (i.e. reach a certain distance  or base.).   The game can be structured to either require the confined team to reach the base a team with as few losses as possible, or to allow them to function as individuals.  Definitions  of capture and restraint must be defined before play begins.

Two man challenge game in which each has a flag (piece of cloth or t shirt) tucked into his belt behind his back.  The contestants must remain on their hands and knees.  At the start command, each attempts to grab the flag from his opponents belt.  Only arm and shoulder contact is allowed.  The winner is he who plucks the flag from his opponent.

Two challengers sit facing opposite with legs outstretched.  At "ready" each seized the near ankle of the other.  At "pull" each attempted to pull his opponents feet along the floor until the opponents feet were in line with his waist.  It is strictly illegal to raise the foot.  The game is decided by two out of three.  (Macfarlan p 237)

From the group two evenly matched for size and weight are chosen.  One is given a large blanket, the other a soft rope 15-20 feet long.  The contest is to render the other helpless with the weapons in their hands.  (one may steal the others weapon and use it against him in combination with his own.)  Once one of the contestants is restrained totally, the contest is over.
 

Two players take pillows (or suitable substitutes).  They stand (or sit) on a log.  The first player be knocked off the log or to fall off the log loses.   (Challenges are then accepted or a tournament type round robin is set up.)

Using rubber knives which have been chalked, two individuals have a knife fight.  The first with a "fatal" wound loses.  Or the game can be played to first "blood" (Chalk).  The game is best played without shirts as skin shows chalk better and washes easier.  (Works well with Challenge Ring technique) .  The game can also be played with pieces of colored chalk, instead of rubber knives.

The group divides into two teams.  Each team has a goal line at the end of a field.  One team lines up behind their goal line, and the other team is on their half of the field.  At the start signal, the team behind the goal has 30 seconds to get across their opponents goal line.  The opponents may hinder their progress in any manner without damaging the first team members.  A point is scored for each person across the goal line at the end of the thirty seconds.  A team may assist each other, even returning onto the field to assist their team mates.  (If ropes are to be used, it must be agreed upon before starting play,)

On a log bridge (found or erected) two challengers start, one from each end, carrying a stout hardwood stick about 18" in length and 2 to 3 in diameter.  When the challengers met in the middle, they raised their sticks, and press one on the other.  The one forced back or off the log is the loser.  The sticks are presses one against the other, not struck.   Contestants not using steady pressure are disqualified.  (Macfarlan p 240)

A circle about 12 feet in diameter is established.  Each of the patrols lines up evenly spaced around the "pit", with smallest in front and largest in back.  At the start signal, the front player of each Patrol enters the pit and attempts to force any of the other players in the pit out of the pit.  If any portion of a player touches the ground outside the circle, he is out.  As players are eliminated, they are replaced by the next player from their own patrol.  The Patrol with the last player in the pit wins.
VARIATION:  All the patrols are in the ring.  The patrol with the last man in the ring wins.
VARIATION:  All the players are in the ring.  The last man in the ring wins.
Variation:  Rather than a ring, a 4' deep pit is used.  This makes the game rougher.
 

(very rough) A circle of fifty feet is marked.  Across the middle is a strip twenty feet wide.  On eithor side of the middle strip is a strip ten feet wide.  At the extreme five feet on eithor side is a narrow end strip.  The middle strip is the war zone.  The zones on eithor side are the peace strips, and the end zones are the villages.  The players start in their peace zones.  The goal of the game is to touch a player of the opposing side and return to your own peace zone.  A player may be captured in eithor the war zone or the opposing teams peace zone, not in his own peace zone.  A player is captured by being pulled or carried into the opposing players peace zone.  He may try to escape, or his team may rescue him by pulling or carrying or grabbing him from his captors in eithor the war zone or the peace zone.  Once he is into the end village zone, he is out of the game for that round.   The round ends when all of one team is captured, or a preset time limit is up.  The score is the total number of coups counted by one team, minus twice the number of their team captured and contained in the opposing teams village zone.
 

The two teams line up some distance apart.  One teams yells "red rover, red rover, send (name or names of players, numbers may be used).  The person or persons called attempts to break through the joined hands and wrists of the opposing team. If he makes it he takes one of their players back to join his team.  If he does not, he joins their team.  The game continues till all players are on one team.

Same rules as Crab Grab only the posture assumed is to tie foot to thigh or belt so as to stand only on one leg.  The last in the group standing wins.  (Some groups may prefer to hold their leg up with one hand rather than tying it up, but this limits the number of hands to fight the other roosters with.)  (to decrease the roughness, it can be required to corss the arms in front.)

The group is divided into two or more teams.  The goal is to have each group attempt to plant their flag and possess a peak, top of hill, knoll, center of clearing, etc.  Usually the goal should take some doing to reach.  Along the way the teams may interfere with the progress of the other teams, stealing their flag, killing their players etc.  The manner and mode of interference or killing must be defined before play starts.  A story from history, such as the race for the pole may add to the excitiment.  This may also be used as a race, with the interteam interference, esp. if the point is distant enough or difficult enough or dangerous enough to reach eliminated.

A cloth about 20" long and 7 inches wide (the skunk skin) is placed on the ground about 8 feet from a pair of challengers.  The challengers attempt to force their opponent to touch the skunk skin.  The game is played in three ways:  1)  Any portion of the body may be forced to the skin.  2)  The challengers grasp shoulders and attempt to force the other to step on the skunk skin placed 8 feet from the pair.  3)  The challengers grasp shoulders over the skin, and attempt to force the other to step on the skunk skin.  (Macfarlan p 234)

A playing field of a circle about thirty feet in diameter is marked with a clearly defined boundary.  Two holes about a foot in diameter are dug at opposite sides of the circle.  A ball is placed in each hole. The players are in two teams. Both teams have their shoes off, one team has their socks off so as to be identified. The play is done on the knees.  To start the play each team gathers around their hole.  The object is to get your teams ball into the opponents hole.  As long as you are on your knees and in the circle, anything goes.  If for any reason, any portion of a players body crosses the boundary, he is out of the game.  (It is legal to monopolize the opposing teams ball, sit on the hole, or to throw the opposing players out of the circle (thus the name of the game).)  A referee is a good idea.  If you or your opponent stops enjoying it action, you have both lost the game.)  Variation:  ELIMINATION:  The same rules as above, except the ball and the holes are forgotten and the object to eliminate your opponents by forcing them out of the circle.  (This may eithor be a team game, a everyman for himself game.)
Variation:  KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF:  The same set up as Slaughter, except the opposing teams both wear socks and a player is eliminated when both of his socks have been removed.  Note:  Over the calf socks must be rolled to the ankle before play starts. (This may eithor be a team game, or a everyman for himself game.)

A smooth, slippery piece of wood 1-2" diameter and 18" long is greased so as to be slippery.  The goal is for the the contestants (1 to 5 on a team) to obtain control of the stick. only one hand per player may be used.  The other should be kept behind the back (perhaps secured there).  Start position is the captain of each team (or individual in case of man to man challenge) to grasp the stick near the middle, on the start command, each attempts to wrest the stick from the other.  In team play, the team joins in after the start command.  (can be rough.  Recommend very old clothes or gym trunks only as the greasy stick will stain clothes)

(aka PENETRATION):  The group is divided into two teams, not necessarily equal.  Alternately one or two may be appointed penetrators.  The object is for the penetrators to cross a given area in a set time.  The second team's attempts to prevent them from making it.   The means of prevention must be defined before play starts.  As we usually play it, each player has two lengths of rope, and tying is used as the means of restraint.  For short distances and times, manual holding has worked well, but is quite rough.

Two players face off face to face at an arms distance.  The feet of each player are side by side touching.  The players place palms of the hands on the palms of the opponents hands.  (Right to left and left to right.)  The object is to force your opponent to move either or both of his feet.  The winner is the first two out of three.  (Variation, not to allow any sudden moves.)

Two challengers each grasp with one hand the end of a hardwood pole about 4 feet long.  A 14 inch stick is placed on the ground one pace behind each challenger.  At the start signal, each attempts to reach and pick up the stick behind him.  The winner is the challenger first picking up his stick. (Macfarlan p 232)

Two challengers on their hands and knees, facing each other have a strong band or webbing adjusted so as to pass behind the head of each.  On the command "ready" the challengers put pressure on the band.  On the command "pull" they attempt to pull the other over a line four feet behind their start position.  If the band slips off, that player is disqualified.  This winner is decided on a two out of three.  (Macfarlan p 246)

In groups of at least 5, the group attempts to physically control each player in turn.  It, the player being subdued that turn, may not run nor hide (cf. Convict Search), but must put up the best effort to escape possible.  This game is very rough.  The players must expect bruising.  They must not do to others, as they would not want done to themselves.  The round is over once it can not longer effectively resist or move.  The rounds may be timed, and the player taking longest to subdue wins.  (Ropes are not used in the game.  See Resistance Tie for a similar game with ropes.)
 

The group forms a circle with one player outside the circle.  The group them bends forward, hands on knees, eyes closed.  The player left outside has a rolled newspaper with which he gently swats one of the players, then drops the rolled newspaper behind that player.  The swatted player picks up the rolled newspaper and  chases the swatter around the circle.  If he can swat the swatter with the rolled newspaper, then he retakes his place in the circle and the original swatter tries again.  If he cannot swat the swatter, then, he remains it and must find another player to swat and try to escape from.
 

Using water soluble markers, two opponents agree on a portion of the body to be marked.  At the go command, each attempts to place a mark on the others body at the agreed upon target, without getting marked himself.  (This is best played in very old clothes or gym trunks only.)  Frequently the game is played with four targets:  both knees and both shoulders.
 

A pulling contest in which the challengers are on their hands and knees, facing away from each other.  Using bands of cloth or straps, the right ankles are joined.  At the signal "pull" each attempts to pull the other over a line drawn four feet in front of his start position.  This may be varied by joining left feet, or even both feet.  (Macfarlan p 243)

The players, by twos face each other inside a 50 foot circle.  Each wears a crepe paper band around his left arm just above the elbow, tied on with a square knot.  At the command "Attack" each either stalk, or rush each other in an effort of snatch the opponents armband.  Each pair may dodge about the circle as they will, interfering as little as possible with other pairs that may be playing at the same time.  The attackers may crouch, feint, jump or try to secure a rivals armband in any fair and not over rough way.  The groups may be arranged as teams in which each team has a distinctive color.  The snatching may be a free for all rather than in the distinct pairs, but this may become overrough.  (Macfarlan p 239)

The group forms a circle with a "wildcat" in the middle.  The wild cat attempts to break through the circle.  When he does, he runs, the group attempts to catch him.  The one to catch him then becomes the next wildcat.   Catch can be defined as tag, tackle, control, hit with nerf ball, etc.
 

Two goal lines are established 25-50 yards apart.  One individual is the hunter.  The remainder are animals, 2-4 per kind of animal.  The hunter calls out a type of animal, all of whom then must dash over to the other goal line.  The hunter attempts to tag (catch, tackle or hit with soft ball) one of them.  If he suceeds, he becomes that animal, and the animal becomes the hunter.

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