Concerns about playground safety and injuries have led to a surprising and controversial ban at a Long Island, N.Y. middle school, CBS New York reports. Cartwheels, "hard" sports equipment such as footballs and baseballs, and even playing tag are now prohibited at recess at Weber Middle School in Port Washington.
At a recent recess session, Weber students were informed that instead of "hard" balls like footballs and tennis balls, they will now only be allowed to play with soft Nerf balls, and no longer will be allowed to play "rough games of tag" or do cartwheels unless a coach is supervising their activities.
While parents and students alike are shocked and in many cases indignant about the new rules, Port Washington schools Supt. Kathleen Maloney insisted to CBS that the policies are in place for a reason, as the school district has seen a recent "rash of playground injuries."
"Some of these injuries can unintentionally become very serious, so we want to make sure our children have fun, but are also protected," Maloney said. Doctors and other experts note that without helmets and pads, children are more likely to get hurt while playing. Some parents, however, are skeptical that the school district is concerned about liability and potential lawsuits.
"Children's safety is paramount, but at the same time, you have to let them live life," Port Washington parent Ellen Cohen told CBS.
As for the students, many are upset with the new policies that are putting a ban on their favorite free-time activities.
"Cartwheels and tag - I think it's ridiculous they are banning that," one student told reporters.
"You go for recess - that's your free time to go let loose and recharge," said another student.
"That's all we want to do," a third student said. "We're in school all day sitting behind the desk learning."
Long Island Jewish Medical Center emergency room director Dr. Salvatore Pardo told CBS New York that since children do not bring pads and helmets with them on the playground, they are more likely to get hurt during their free time, susceptible to “head injuries, bumps, scrapes; [experts are] worried about concussions.”
Other school districts outside of Long Island may soon be joining in on the "hard ball" ban as well.
