Australian School Bans Gymnastics
Tuesday August 26, 2008
The Herald Sun is reporting that an Australian elementary school has banned students from doing all forms of gymnastics during recess. That includes cartwheels, handstands, somersaults and anything gymnastics-related, on the grass or anywhere else.
One of the moms in the article says the principal told her that gymnastics was "medium risk level 2," and dangerous to children.
Truly, this is one of the craziest rules I've heard in a long time. Aren't there adults supervising the children? Couldn't those adults re-direct children towards other activities if the moves they are trying don't look safe?
(And as a side note, I would never have made it out of elementary school if this rule had been in place, and I can think of a few friends of mine who'd be in the same boat.)
It sounds to me like the school has some great fear of a lawsuit because of an injured child.
What do you think?
The full article from the Herald Sun
One of the moms in the article says the principal told her that gymnastics was "medium risk level 2," and dangerous to children.
Truly, this is one of the craziest rules I've heard in a long time. Aren't there adults supervising the children? Couldn't those adults re-direct children towards other activities if the moves they are trying don't look safe?
(And as a side note, I would never have made it out of elementary school if this rule had been in place, and I can think of a few friends of mine who'd be in the same boat.)
It sounds to me like the school has some great fear of a lawsuit because of an injured child.
What do you think?
The full article from the Herald Sun
Comments
Ludicrous! Children are too over-protected these days. Also, they need to learn what’s safe and what’s not — by trying some stuff!
I can’t imagine a playground, beach or park without a few kids turning cartwheels. They love to do them — and honestly, they can’t really get hurt on those simple skills. This is ridiculous.
No cartwheels!! What is a bored six year old supposed to do during a soccer game??
Yeah, that seems idiotic to me. Silly!