Education

Middle school bans footballs, baseballs, cartwheels, fun games of tag

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The dark forces aiming at the total wussification of America have struck again—this time at a Long Island middle school where administrators have banned imposed a recess ban on footballs, baseballs, lacrosse balls and hard soccer balls.

But wait! There’s more. Students at Weber Middle School in the suburban hamlet of Port Washington can’t do cartwheels on school grounds unless they are under the strict supervision of a coach, reports CBS New York. Games of tag will also be verboten unless they are milquetoast and boring.

The Daily Caller is not making this up.

Instead of real footballs, there will now be Nerf balls. Instead of real baseballs and lacrosse balls, there will be softer foam balls.

Kathleen Maloney, the Port Washington superintendent of schools, said the wide-ranging recess ban on fun of any kind was instituted out of fear that some student might possibly get hurt.

“Some of these injuries can unintentionally become very serious, so we want to make sure our children have fun, but are also protected,” Maloney told CBS New York.

Some parents aren’t happy with the decision. They say the ball, tag and cartwheel embargo is about nothing more than a fear of lawsuits.

“Children’s safety is paramount, but at the same time, you have to let them live life,” local parent Ellen Cohen told CBS New York.

Kids aren’t happy, either.

“Cartwheels and tag: I think it’s ridiculous they are banning that,” one frustrated student told the station.

“You go for recess. That’s your free time to go let loose and recharge,” said another student.

“We’re in school all day sitting behind the desk learning,” said another.

By outlawing fun, Weber Middle School is blazing a well-worn trail among schools in the United States. Back in March, for example, the school board in the affluent suburban town of Windham, N.H. banned dodgeball as a school-sponsored activity. (RELATED: Revenge of the nerds: New Hampshire school district bans dodgeball)

“In my opinion, the human-target games seem contrary to our goal of avoiding concussions,” school district superintendent Henry LaBranche said at the time. He added that dodgeball and games of its ilk can also lead to bullying and upsetting experiences for some students.

Also in March, St. Mary’s County Public Schools banned hugging and homemade food in public elementary schools for anyone except a parent’s own children. Parents there must also register to enter the playground and can only push their own kids on the swings. School district officials called the draconian regulations necessary to provide a safe environment. (RELATED: Maryland school district outlaws hugging, homemade food, pushing kids on swings)

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