Posted by: McQ on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Seems like an easy one doesn't it? Low-hanging blog fruit. OMG! What is up with these idiots! Banning tag! Why, why, that's been played for centuries by children! And, of course, some of the blogosphere is reacting in just that manner. So what's the story? Robyn Hooker, principal of Kent Gardens Elementary School, has told students they may no longer play tag during recess after determining that the game of chasing, dodging and yelling "You're it!" had gotten out of hand. Hooker explained to parents in a letter this month that tag had become a game "of intense aggression."OK. And she goes on to explain why she's stopped tag (apparently it has evolved beyond what she considers to be a safe game by some additions the children have come up with. Hey, kids do that sort of thing, and it is her job to monitor it.). I assume, upon review, it'll be reinstated after it has been again modified (and explained to the kids) toward the more traditional game as something kids can again play. And if not, if she bans it completely, why then I think she and the school are fair game for criticism since I believe any group of adults should be able to supervise a children's game such as what is traditionally considered tag. But I want to point to something that drives a lot of stuff like this and makes administrators the object of the outrage when, in fact, they're not the primary reason for the caution: Many schools nationwide have whittled down playground activities in response to concerns about injuries, bullying or litigation. Dodge ball is a thing of the past in many places, and contact sports are often limited at recess.Get sued a few times and your desire to take chances that might get you sued again dwindles considerably. I remember as a kid playing Red Rover. We broke another kid's arm doing so. His parents reaction was "that's a part of growing up". That's not the reaction schools get today. And based on the reaction the school is most likely to get (and, I'm sure with pressure from the insurance carrier as well) they're forced into positions like this while others throw figurative stones at them and claim they're ruining childhood. Tough position to be in. Solution - quit suing everytime Tommy or Tina stub their toe at school. Yes, there certainly are reasons to sue schools, like this reason, but if you want your child to have the benefit of physical activity, then it comes with a certain level of risk. And if that risk is acceptable (such as within the traditional game of tag) then it is up to you to accept they could be hurt and live with the results. |
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