SPUD

Whats' more fun than a game of spud? It has been many years since we played this ball game and most of us had forgotten the rules. I googled it so we would know the rules the next time we played. So, Kathy and Carla, here are the rules. Your Auntie Rhonda wasn't too far off but now we know how the game is supposed to end!
warning: if you play this game over the age of 40 then you run the risk of being sore for several days. My legs and hip joints have just stopped hurting.

SPUD
(Four or more players)

This raucous, century-old playground challenge is a time-tested favorite--and one that easily includes players of different ages and abilities. Assign each player a different number and choose a player to be "it." This player then tosses a large, bouncy ball into the air and yells a number. Everyone disperses at top speed, running away from the ball--except the player whose number was called, who must run after the ball. Once he has it in his hands, he yells "Spud!" and all players must stop in their tracks. Then, the catcher can take a moment to survey the scene and decide which player is the best quarry. When he has chosen a victim, he tosses the ball at that player, attempting to tag her with the ball. The target must keep her feet planted, but she can twist away from the ball, duck or even try to catch it. If the ball makes contact, she receives an S. If the ball misses, or if she catches it, the thrower receives the S. The unlucky player must then throw the ball in the air and call a number for the next round. The game continues until each player receives the letters S-P-U-D and is thus eliminated. The remaining single player wins.

To make the game easier, allow "it" to take three giant steps toward the chosen target, or reduce the size of the playing field.