COLUMBUS, Ohio — Local police departments are warning kids and community members about senior tag, a popular game played by soon-to-be high school graduates involving airsoft, water, Nerf or paintball guns.
On April 16 just before 10 p.m., a Franklin County Sheriff's deputy spotted a large group of more than 50 teenagers at Hoover Reservoir in their underwear playing senior tag. The deputy called Blendon Township Police officers to assist.
Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford said the teens were there either playing senior tag or using it as a rally point.
Belford said there are many ways in which senior tag manifests itself.
“It could be one or two teenagers coming around the bushes of a house, or lying in wait by cars in parking lots. It could be large groups,” Belford said.
He explained the teens use airsoft guns or paint guns and try to hit each other as a part of the tag.
“One of the so-called rules of senior tag is that if the participants are in their underwear, then being shot doesn't count in this game where they keep score,” Belford said.
He's concerned that teens don't understand how dangerous this type of tag can be.
“The young people especially should understand with Ohio being a constitutional carry state, there are a lot of armed citizens who may react to a strange situation, not in the way they intend,” Belford explained.
This isn't happening just in Blendon Township, but in cities across the state.
He's hoping kids don't start playing around moving cars, which can be even more dangerous.
“They certainly want to avoid a tragedy and we'd encourage seniors to find a healthier outlet for graduation time and not play senior tag,” Belford said.
None of the teens were arrested in the April 16 incident, but police say this is a good reminder for parents to have a talk with your kids.
Pickerington police shared a similar message to Facebook for seniors.
"We know the game will continue to be played, but it is our hope that all participants will play this game in a safe, legal, and responsible manner. If not, we will do what is necessary (arrests, tickets, etc.) to protect the public’s safety," their statement read in part.
Police said, in the past, there have been multiple "man with a gun," suspicious person, reckless driving, disorderly conduct and trespassing calls associated with the game.
"Trespassing on other people’s property is not a good idea," the statement read. "Entering businesses to 'eliminate' other players is not a good idea. Driving a vehicle in an aggressive or reckless manner while playing this game is definitely not a good idea."
Pickerington Local School District also posted a message to Facebook advising its students against participating. The school district said the activity is not affiliated with the school.
"As our esteemed seniors prepare to embark on exciting new chapters, we want to take a moment to address a non-school-sanctioned activity: 'senior tag.' While we understand the enthusiasm surrounding this time of year, it's important to emphasize that this activity is not affiliated with the school, and we strongly advise against student participation," the statement read in part.