Section 8: Safety Considerations
Safety takes priority over obedience to any command. A player may refuse or stop an action that feels unsafe, painful, inappropriate, or beyond the player’s ability. Such a refusal should not be treated as an error; Simon should replace the command or provide an accessible alternative.
Safe Commands
Commands should use controlled movements suited to the players, surface, clothing, weather, and available space. Avoid dangerous jumping, climbing, tackling, throwing objects, holding breath, closing eyes while moving, extreme stretching, rapid spinning, contact between players, or actions near traffic, stairs, water, or fragile objects.
Personal Boundaries
Simon must not require unwanted touching, embarrassing behavior, disclosure of personal information, removal of clothing, imitation targeting a person or group, or any action likely to humiliate a participant. Players should be able to opt out without pressure.
Age and Ability
The pace, language, and complexity of commands should match the participants’ ages and abilities. Offer seated, lower-impact, or nonverbal equivalents where appropriate. Accessibility adaptations should preserve the same listening and decision-making challenge rather than exclude a player for being unable to perform a particular motion.
Spacing and Supervision
Players should maintain enough distance to move without contact. Large groups and games involving young children should have attentive adult supervision. Simon should stop play immediately if someone enters the area, a hazard appears, or a participant falls or becomes distressed.
Emergency Stop
The group should recognize a plain stop signal, such as “Stop the game,” that ends activity immediately whether or not it includes “Simon says.” Emergency and safety directions always override the game’s trick-command mechanic.
Health and Environment
Provide breaks during long or energetic sessions and account for heat, cold, hydration, fatigue, and medical needs. Outdoor play should pause during dangerous weather. A player who is injured or unwell should stop participating and receive appropriate assistance.