The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

"RELEASE"

TO PLAY RELEASE, TWO TEAMS OF AT LEAST THREE APIECE (BUT MORE
IF POSSIBLE) ARE FORMED. A SMALL AREA--SUCH AS A PORCH OR A STRIP
OF LAWN IS USED AS A JAIL. ONE MEMBER FROM TEAM II ACTS AS JAILGUARD,
WHILE THE REST GO HUNTING FOR MEMBERS OF TEAM I. WHEN A HIDER IS
CAUGHT, HE IS BROUGHT TO THE JAIL. IF ONE OF HIS TEAM-MEMBERS IS
ABLE TO TAP HIM WHILE HE IS IN JAIL, THEN HE IS "RELEASED;" BUT IF
THE GUARD TAGS THE PERSON ATTEMPTING TO FREE HIS TEAM-MATE, THEN THAT
PERSON MUST GO IN JAIL, ALSO. WHEN ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE TEAM ARE
CAUGHT, SIDES ARE TRADED, AND TEAM II DOES THE HIDING. (IN MY WORDS)

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN HEIGHTS

Date learned: 11-00-1973