Some find state recess safety rules too restrictive

By MEGAN A. CONLAN Capital News Service

Published 12/01/08

Maryland elementary schools are restricting the types of games students can play at recess, causing some people to worry that administrators are eliminating the very activities that let kids be kids.

Although most schools already prohibit games like dodge ball and tackle football, stringent no contact policies are, in some cases, affecting more basic childhood games as well. Tag is one game being questioned at more Maryland schools.

Proponents of the restrictions cite safety concerns and the need for students to act respectfully. Opponents argue that scrapes and bruises are a regular part of childhood and children should be...

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PC - 2008-12-02 21:32:02

I usually bristle at the mention of political correctness; especially by some of the nut jobs on this site who love to throw the term around. But this issue is a perfect example of negative political correctness. Duncan Thomas sums it up very well. I'll just add that this is another example of the "feel good" mentality that exists in education. Administrators want to push all hint of competition out of the schools. We don't want any child to feel bad. We can't have winners anymore - everyone is simply a participant. We can't discipline unruly students because it'll make them feel bad (and their parents might sue). And we don't want anyone to feel like a failure so lets institute grade inflation. So much for preparing students for the real world. It's a wonder schools still have spelling bees...or do they?

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Nils Pedersen - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral

Tag - 2008-12-02 11:48:55

On behalf of literally dozens of normal, competent, intelligent adults who have followed this amazingly stupid issue for years now, we'll say it very simply: It is okay for kids to play tag--including touch tag. It is okay for kids to play touch football--yes, a touch means that you are down, people. It is okay for kids to push each other on a swing--pushing someone on a swing is not illegal, perverted behavior. And we'll say this, in all honesty: Anyone, at any level, who believes that kids should not play tag, dodgeball, touch football or push other kids on a swing should not be working in education--seriously. That includes principals, teachers, aides, parents and counselors. People, there is such a thing as over-reacting, and anyone idiot who believes in these incredibly stupid restrictions are over-reacting. And they should have their heads examined. Whatever happened to good old common sense? Either wake up, exhibit common sense-or work in another field. But you do not belong in education.

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Duncan Thomas - College Park, MD - Karma: Bad