Section 5: Rules of Play
- Set up: Identify the boundaries, select the starting shark or sharks, and gather minnows in one safe zone.
- Start the crossing: The caller says, “Sharks and minnows, go!” Sharks may move anywhere inside the active area after this signal.
- Leave the safe zone: Minnows choose their moment to enter. To prevent indefinite waiting, this ruleset uses a spoken five-count after the start signal. Every minnow must enter by the end of that count.
- Cross the ocean: Minnows run or use the agreed movement style toward the opposite safe zone. They may dodge, slow down, and change direction within the boundaries, but must continue attempting the crossing.
- Make a legal tag: A shark gently touches a minnow's upper arm, shoulder, or upper back with an open hand. Tags must occur before the minnow has reached safety. Touching loose clothing alone does not count.
- Handle a catch: A tagged minnow acknowledges the tag and moves carefully to the nearest sideline waiting area, outside the active space. They become a shark for the next crossing and cannot tag anyone during the current crossing.
- Finish the crossing: Continue until every minnow has reached the destination safe zone or been caught. Safe minnows stay there and do not re-enter the active area.
- Reset: New sharks join the existing sharks in the active area. Surviving minnows cross back in the opposite direction on the next start signal.
- End the round: Apply the winning conditions in the scoring section, then select a starting shark for another round.
After entering the ocean, a minnow cannot use the starting safe zone as a refuge. Returning fully into it counts as being caught under this ruleset. A player who misses the five-count also joins the sharks on the next crossing, unless an accessibility arrangement was agreed beforehand.
Common house rules and variations
- Immediate conversion: Caught minnows become active sharks immediately. Announce this change clearly; it makes crossings harder and increases nearby changes of direction.
- Stationary seaweed: Caught minnows stay in place and tag within arm's reach without stepping, grabbing, or leaning into another player's path. Use generous spacing and stop if stationary players become obstacles.
- Walking version: Everyone walks. This can suit smaller spaces or groups with a wider range of mobility and confidence.
- Multiple starting sharks: Begin with extra sharks for a large group or a shorter round.
- Different start calls: Groups may use a chant or call-and-response, provided everyone knows the exact signal that starts play.
Swimming-pool and ball-dribbling versions also share the name, but require separate equipment, playing conditions, and safety procedures. They are outside this land-based ruleset.