RENZAmusings » School Bans the Game of Tag

School Bans the Game of Tag

October 18th, 2006

A Massachusetts elementary school has banned the game of “tag” during recess. That’s just crazy. Of course there is a concern for safety and probably the self-esteem for the child who is always “it”, but c’mon, playing tag is a classic recess game–no equipment or special field, and playable with any amount of participants. (willing or not).

Kids need to play games and run around. Sometimes when they run they fall. Sometimes they bump into each other. Sometime they even get hurt. This is how they learn and grow and become physically active. We lock up our kids inside enough protecting them from the terrible world. They are eating junk and getting fat and we are not telling them to sit still and don’t move too quick or you might get hurt.

All parents are cautious, but when I see my 3-year old chasing my 1-year old, they are both laughing and having a great time. They need to learn about what too fast is and playing too rough so they can behave appropriately.

When I was in elementary school we have a friendly, tag-like game called “kill the guy with the ball.” Someone was given the ball, and the rest of us chased him and dog-piled until someone else stole the ball and ran away. I never understood the motivation to actually want the ball. In junior high, we had a gym class activity that was officially called “war ball” by the gym teachers. This was what we consider official dodge ball today.

I’m sure my grandfathers played games like “beat the guy with the stick”, but my point is that we probably shouldn’t be progressing to games called “sit quietly in place and avoid any eye contact that might hurt another’s feelings.”

Ease up people.

Not it Mass. elementary school bans tag - Yahoo News