{Recently, a newspaper columnist asked me to weigh in on a new teenage version of tag, called fugitive. I provided her with some insights. Upon further reflection, I have penned this parody, an intentional mockery of this game].
It started as a West Coast phenomenon. It caught on, and now the excitement and anticipation is electric as an updated version of the game “tag” is sweeping the country. Who could have foreseen that a simple game played out by generations of Americans would make a stunning comeback?
The fugitive game is not for the weak-at-heart. This is the personification of extreme tag, created by and for upperclassmen in today's high schools. Some of our most distinguished high school students put their heads together and developed a novel, proactive sport’s activity. The concept is rather complex. A group of kids meet at a central area, such as a neighborhood parking lot. For starters, some teenagers run from the area while other players chase the runners in cars or on foot. The fugitives get a head start, while the chasers pursue them until they are caught. Here's where the rules become tricky. Task completion must be accomplished without cheating, such as avoiding the use of interstate highways, and gamers must be back to their destination within 45 minutes. Creativity is built into this innovative version of tag, because fugitives can trespass into neighbor's backyards, hiding in bushes to camouflage themselves from the chasers. If a neighbor calls the police department, fugitives must figure out how to duck the consequences.
Licensed teenage drivers, using only insured vehicles, typically have someone riding shotgun ready to jump out of the car and tag the runner or call out his/her name when identified. Unfortunately, once the fugitive is caught, she must get into the car until the game is completed. The game is played with the utmost in caution, avoiding potential risks of automobile collisions, running into the innocent bystanders, and tearing up people's personal property. Regardless of any risky twists and turns, the game must continue to completion even if the police are called by neighborhood residents, who feel their rights have been violated,
Communities are just beginning to weigh in on the virtues and liabilities of the fugitive game. Most parents wholeheartedly support their teenager’s new effort to put play into their lives. One insightful parent said, "Hey, it may be a little risky, but it sure beats having my kid hooked on cocaine or dropping out of school." Another community member said, "Even if a 911 call goes out on my son, I'd prefer having him outside the house hanging out rather than sitting in the house playing video games."
Student groups participating in the fugitive game are tickled about their new, exciting venture. Many have described the results as similar to a rush experienced during a bout of self-medicating on marijuana or alcohol. The biggest enticement that increases the games enjoyment is inciting the police or irate neighbors into playing the game with them.
Community mental health providers view this game as a rite of passage for our teens. One psychologist noted, "It provides our kids with an opportunity to take out their frustrations by pushing back against authority figures; testing the limits to the max is their way of navigating adulthood - it's a healing process."
The fugitive game, founded by today's teenagers, is the trendy tag of the future. It's coming to a town near you. It is creative, complex, filled with risks and adventure as a wholesome outdoor sport. Before your child hits the streets to play fugitive, make sure you have that parent/child talk to promote understanding about a new, fascinating way to play an old favorite that has entertained young people for decades.
James P. Krehbiel, Ed.S., LPC is an author, freelance writer, licensed professional counselor and nationally certified cognitive-behavioral therapist practicing in Scottsdale, Arizona. He specializes in working with children and adults who experience anxiety, depression, grief and pain management issues. His latest book, Troubled Childhood, Triumphant Life: Healing from the Battle Scars of Youth (New Horizon Press) is now available through Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com. James can be reached at www.scottsdaletherapy.net.
