Section 4: Players & Officials
At least two players are needed: one Marco and one player to chase. Three or more usually provide more opportunities to follow different voices. There is no fixed maximum, but reduce the group if players cannot maintain space or hear each other clearly.
Choose the first Marco by volunteering, drawing lots, or another agreed fair method. Only one player is Marco at a time in the base game. All other players act independently; there are no teams.
- Marco: Keeps eyes closed during active play, calls “Marco!”, listens, and attempts gentle tags.
- Other players: Keep eyes open, answer “Polo!”, avoid tags, and watch for hazards.
- Supervising adult: For children’s games, a designated adult outside the game watches continuously and stops unsafe play.
- Optional organizer: May explain boundaries, settle disputes, and arrange fair turns. A formal referee is unnecessary.
Every participant must be comfortable with the selected water depth and able to move safely. Let players decline the Marco role or leave the game without pressure. Adjust the group or choose another game when differences in size, confidence, or mobility make play unsafe.