44 I+allow+my+students+to+play+dodge+ball+for+the+simple+reason+that+they+like+it%2e%0a++++On+days+when+I+allow+student+choice+of+activity+the+number+one+game%0a++++everyone+wants+to+play+is+dodge+ball%2e+Say+what+you+want+about+it+the+game+is+popular+with+kids%2e+And+having+fun+is+an+important+part+of+PE%2e+They+enjoy+it%2e%2eI+let+them+play+it%2e
45 Hi+there+Taylor+%0a++++Thanks+for+your+message+and+I+would+like+to+invite+you+check+out+the%0a++++PELINKS+4U+ELementary+Page+on+the+12th+March+where+I+have+posted+a%0a++++series+of+articles+on+this+topic%2e+%0a++++Regarding+your+message+per+se+%2d+what+I+personally+contend+is+that+any%0a++++decision+I+take+requires+me+to+ask+the+question+%2d+%26quot%3bDoes+it+have+a+a+place%0a++++within+my+program+goals+%3f+And+%26quot%3bIs+this+game+Developmentally+Appropriate+%2d%0a++++and+if+not+how+can+I+alter+it+%3f%26quot%3b+%2d+%0a++++If+I+manage+to+answer+these%2c+then+I+take+a+decision+%2d+and+not+simply+that+I+use%0a++++the+activity+because+students+like+it%2e+That+is+not+enough+for+me+%2d+Pupils+could%0a++++also+like+cookies+%2d+and+sure+they+do+have+a+place+to+play+%2d+but+they+are+at+the%0a++++top+of+the+food+pyramid+%2d+ie+to+be+used+sparingly+%3b%2d%29+I+might+also+like+to+create%0a++++a+problem+solving+situation+where+the+pupils+might+be+encourage+to+discuss%0a++++the+pros+and+cons+to+dodgeball+%2d+perhaps+they+are+not+aware+of+them+too+and+it%0a++++might+help+to+develop+a+more+%26quot%3bsensitive+to+others+social+orientation%26quot%3b%2e+%0a++++Regarding+pupils+having+fun+%2d+yes+that+it+an+important+component+in+any+lesson%0a++++%2d+if+pupils+are+having+a+positive+experience+they+are+more+receptive+to+learning%0a++++%28brain+based+data+%2d+endorphin+levels+are+up+etc+%2d+but+that+is+another+topic%29%2e+My%0a++++question+to+you+re+this+would+be+WHO+is+having+fun+%3f+Can+you+be+sure+that%0a++++Dodgeball+is+being+a+FUN+experience+for+ALL+the+pupils+in+your+care+%2d+because%0a++++for+me%2c+if+I+am+in+a+situation+where+an+activity+is+not+proving+to+be+thus+for+even%0a++++ONE+pupil+%2d+then+I+need+to+alter+something%2e+The+importance+of+pupils+feeling+a%0a++++measure+of+sucess+is+vital+to+the+development+of+their+self%2desteem%2e%2e%2e+I+like+to%0a++++take+time+to+observe+my+pupils+during+lessons+and+even+during+recess+%2d+and%0a++++during+the+latter+I+realise+that+pupils+seems+to+be+having+fun+playing+a+game+%2d%0a++++looking+closer+and+talking+to+some+of+them+I+also+learnt+that+they+wanted+to%0a++++part+of+a+game+%2d+and+that+is+why+they+were+having+fun%2e%2e%2e%2ethey+feel+they%0a++++belong%2e%2enot+because+they+like+the+game+per+se+%2d+they+might+be+eliminated+but%0a++++at+least+they+are+%26quot%3bplaying%26quot%3b+i+show+they+perceive+things%2e+I+have+learnt+the%0a++++important+lesson+that+there+is+more+than+meets+the+eye+to+many+things+in+my%0a++++teaching%2e%2e%2e+%0a++++But+all+of+the+above+is+personal+opinion+%2e%2e%2e+but+do+catch+a+glimpse+into+the%0a++++articles+on+the+12th+March+%2d+they+feature+pros%2c+cons%2c+awareness%2c+unawareness%0a++++issues+that+provide+some+food+for+thought+and+discussion%2e+The+latter+is+what%0a++++this+message+board+aims+to+achieve%2e+There+might+not+a+right+answer+%2d+but%0a++++there+definately+be+a+communication+spectrum+developing+and+from+that%2c+one%0a++++takes+home+what+fits+into+his%2fher+own+teaching+belief+system%2e+%0a++++Cheers+Marina
48 I+am+still+having+trouble+with+our+profession+thinking+that+dodgeball+is+an+appropriate+activity%2e+%0aTry+getting+the+Physical+Education+teachers+together+in+your+county+and+play+a+%26quot%3bfriendly%26quot%3b%28%3f%29+game+of+dodgeball+and+see+what+the+reaction+would+be%2e+Having+fun+is+an+important+part+of+Physical+Education+but+not+at+the+expense+of+other+students%2e+%0aMaybe+someone+could+start+XDodgeball+on+the+pro+level+for+adults%2e+Leave+children+out+of+such+activities%2e++I+want+to+encourage+my+students+to+Adopt+a+Physically+Active+Lifestyle+and+activities+like+this+are+not+a+part+of+living+a+physically+active+lifestyle%2e
50 In+my+experience+here+teaching+Elementary+PE+to+Turkish+children+I+have+found+that+Dodgeball+gets+mixed+reviews%2e++The+boys+seem+to+love+the+game+for+its+fast+pace%2c+violence+and+competitiveness%2e++The+girls+however%2c+shy+away+from+the+game%2c+and+even+when+gender+separated%2c+don%27t+seem+to+like+the+game+to+much%2e++%0aPersonally+I+feel+dodgeball+does+have+a+place+in+the+curriculum%2c+especially+in+South+American+or+European+schools%2c+where+children+often+know+how+to+kick%2c+but+do+not+really+know+how+to+throw%2e++Dodgeball+is+great+for+hand%2deye+coordination%2c+catching+and+throwing+skills%2e++%0aAfter+several+tries+with+my+grade+2+to+5+classes%2c+I+wound+up+changing+my+dodgeball+unit+to+become+no+run+handball+with+a+soccer+goal+as+the+target%2e+It+is+still+competitive%2c+and+often+someone+on+the+losing+team+cries%2c+but+at+least+the+boys+and+girls+are+happy+to+play+together%2c+and+the+most+cooperative+team+wins%2e++Not+a+bad+lesson+for+children+to+learn+about+team+sports%2c+eh%3f
51 I+USED+to+play+Dodgeball%2e+I+don%27t+anymore%2e+I+don%27t+play+any+game+that+would+involve+Human+Targets%2e+Games+that+we+played+that+were+of+the+dodgeball+type+have+been+changed+in+my+elementary+school+classroom%2e+My+children+still+find+the+new+versions+as+much+fun+as+the+old+way+%2d+and+I+get+better+participation+from+all+my+students+%2d+not+from+just+those+who+are+%26quot%3btough%26quot%3b+enough+to+get+hit%2e+Think+about+it%2e%2e%2e+We+talk+about+sportsmanship+and+resolving+conflicts+and+having+our+children+%26quot%3bbe+nice%26quot%3b+to+each+other+then+hand+them+a+ball+and+tell+them+to+hit+each+other%3f%3f+It+doesn%27t+make+sense+to+me+anymore%2e+I+thought+I+was+doing+the+right+thing+by+changing+to+safe+equipment+like+yarn+balls+and+foam+balls+%2d+but+it+still+came+to+children+being+targets+for+others+to+hit%2e+Developmentally%2c+too%2c+I+find+no+reason+to+use+dodgeball+as+a+lead%2dup+activity%2e+There+are+no+professional+sports+or+leisure+activities+that+require+humans+to+be+targets%2e+I+don%27t+do+it+anymore%21
53 I+have+to+agree+with+those+who+do+not+play+dodgeball+anymore%2e++I+decided+to+stop+playing+human+target+games+about+4+years+ago%2e++It+was+a+process+from+the+diehard+game+with+harder+balls+to+foam+balls+to+not+throwing+at+any+person+in+any+game+we+play%2e++My+students+didn%27t+like+giving+it+up+at+first%2c+but+we+have+found+many+ways+to+work+on+those+same+skills+without+one+person+being+hit%2e++I+have+even+had+some+of+my+past+students+return+from+Middle+school+to+tell+me+they+wished+their+teachers+felt+the+same+way%2e++I+walked+into+a+high+school+class+a+couple+of+weeks+ago+and+guess+what%2e%2e%2ethey+were+playing+dodgeball+with+volleyballs+no+less%21++I+was+afraid+to+go+into+the+gym%2e++The+vision+of+some+students+cowering+against+the+walls+was+enough+to+convince+me+it+is+inappropriate+for+any+level%2e++I+wish+my+colleagues+could+see+those+who+really+dislike+the+game+because+they+are+the+TARGETS+rather+than+the+throwers%2e++We+have+enough+violence+in+our+society+without+teaching+it+in+physical+education+class%2e
54 I+remember+playing+dodgeball+growing+up+as+well%2e+I+loved+it%2e++I+remember+walking+into+our+gym+%26quot%3barea%26quot%3b+%281%2f2+the+cafeteria%29+and+nothing+felt+better+than+seeing+those+three+balls+lined+up+at+the+midline%2e++I+still+believe+that+it+is+an+extremely+popular+game+but+i+believe+that+it+cannot+be+used+in+PE+anymore+for+a+few+reasons%3a%0a1%2e+very+serious+safety+issue+when+humans+are+the+targets+%2d+i+remember+when+i+was+in+6th+grade+I+was+hiding+off+to+the+side+and+a+girl+had+just+thrown+a+ball+over+and+had+not+seen+me%2e+i+ran+up+and+i+threw+it+and+it+hit+her+face+and+broke+her+glasses%2e+luckily+she+was+not+injured+but+if+a+lens+had+cut+her+she+could+have+been+blinded%2e+i+felt+terrible+afterward+and+have+been+wary+of+the+game+ever+since%2e%0a2%2e+the+separation+of+the+two+extremes+%2d+you+will+ALWAYS+have+the+group+of+students+who+stand+as+far+back+from+the+midline+as+possible+so+as+not+to+get+hit%2e%28generally+they+are+girls%29+does+anyone+here+think+they+actually+enjoyed+PE+class+growing+up+if+they+stood+in+the+back+all+the+time%3f%0a3%2e+too+much+wait+time+for+those+eliminated+%0aNow+MAYBE+as+a+teacher+one+could+have+a+reward+system+where+each+student+at+some+point+during+the+year+after+exemplifying+model+behavior%2c+may+choose+the+activity+for+the+day%2e++so+THEN+dodgeball+may+be+an+option+for+those+%26quot%3bspecial%26quot%3b+occasions%2c+the+students+%26quot%3b15+minutes+of+fame%26quot%3b+where+they+get+to+pick+out+and+introduce+the+activity%2e++In+conclusion+i+believe+this+issue+will+be+here+for+some+time%2e++hopefully+someday+all+PE+teachers+will+realize+that+it+has+no+value+in+the+development+of+our+youth%2e
55 When+we+talk+of+games+using+human+targets+I+wonder+about+the+game+of+tag%2c+kids+love+to+%26quot%3bget+each+other%26quot%3b%2e++I+DO+NOT+agree+with+traditional+dodgeball+and+would+be+appalled+to+walk+into+a+gym+and+see+this+game+being+played%2e+It+singles+out+the+athletic+elite%2c+as+does+traditional+kickball%2c+and+scares+others+away+from+playing%2e+++++But%2c+I+do+admit+to+playing+a+human+target+game%2c+snowball+fight+is+one+of+my+kids+favorite+games%2c+it%27s+always+their+choice+if+they+earn+an+extra+PE+period%2e++One+fluff+ball+per+child%2c+barriers+set+up+in+the+middle+of+the+gym%2c++you+save+your+teammates+by+handing+them+a+ball+if+they+are+frozen%2e++I+play+this+when+we+have+our+first+big+snowfall%2c+using+it+to+discuss+safety+issues+involved+in+playing+in+the+snow+and+safe+snowball+making%2e+++It+involves+teamwork%2c+cooperation%2c+cardiovascular%2c+throwing%2c+dodging%2c+catching%2c+and+it+is+enjoyed+by+ALL%2c+really%2c+no+one+is+cowering+against+the+wall%2e+++++%0acj
58 I+think+dodge+ball+is+the+greatest+game+ever%2e+It+involves+a+lot+of+locomotive+skills%2e+You+are+dodging%2c+running%2c+catching%2c+throwing%2c+and+hitting+a+target%2e+Everyone+is+involved%2e+There+are+such+a+variety+of+dodge+ball+games+that+you+can+play+without+elimination%2e+The+kids+enjoy+it+and+they+are+always+wanting+to+play+it%2e+I+play+it%2c+I+will+continue+to+play+it%2e+But%2c+because+of+the+controversy+I+don%27t+play+it+as+often+as+the+kids+would+like%2e+Whenever+I+play+it%2c+I+tell+the+kids+that+if+they+do+not+want+to+play%2c+that+they+can+sit+out%2e+Out+of+300+kids%2c+I+have+one+girl+that+chooses+to+sit+out%2e
67 I+do+not+promote+dodgeball+in+my+class%2c+but+if+we+have+a+student+choice+day+that+is+what+they+like+to+do%2e+What+I+like+to+do+is+modify+the+game+so+no+one+gets+clobbered%2e+I+make+the+students+bounce+the+ball+on+the+floor+before+it+hits+anyone%2e+This+brings+those+who+have+more+ability+to+throw+a+ball+down+a+notch%2c+thus+reducing+the+chance+for+injury%2e+I+also+limit+the+number+of+balls+used+%28usually+2%29+which+can+also+keep+the+game+under+control%2e+I+have+also+modified+the+game+by+having+students+change+sides+when+they+are+hit%2c+or+have+them+go+behind+the+other+team+to+try+to+catch+a+thrown+ball+from+a+teammate+to+get+back+in+the+game%2e+%0a%0aThere+is+no+doubt+that+kids+really+enjoy+this+game+and+with+the+proper+modifications+it+can+be+a+fun+and+worthwhile+activity%2e+I+also+belive+that+this+game+is+not+for+everyone+and+it+is+up+to+the+physical+educator+to+determine+if+this+type+of+game+fits+in+to+their+teaching+philosophy%2e
68 I+have+mixed+feelings+about+dodgeball%2e+My+kids+love+it%21+I+agree+that+there+are+so+many+skills+being+practiced+during+the+game%3a+agilities+thru+dodging%2c+cardiovascular%2c+throwing%2c+teamwork%2c+etc%2e+I+too+have+reduced+the+number+of+times+in+which+I+use+the+game%2e+I+don%27t+have+one+child+who+isn%27t+actively+involved+in+the+games+as+we+play+them%2e+My+reasons+for+playing+less+dodgeball%2c+maybe+2%2d3+times+a+school+year+are+because+of+the+human+target+concerns%2e+For+those+of+you+who+have+totally+given+up+on+the+game%2c+perhaps+I+am+right+behind+you%2e+For+those+of+you+still+actively+utilizing+the+game%2c+perhaps+I+am+right+with+you%2e
71 My+view+of+dodgeball+is+that+its+negatives+far+outweigh+its+positives%2e+If+I+want+a+dodging+activity%2c+or+a+cardiovascular+activity%2c+or+a+throwing+activity%2c+etc%2e%2c+I+can+find+activities+other+than+dodgeball+which+maximize+the+skill+on+which+I+want+to+focus%2e+Kids+%26quot%3bwant%26quot%3b+to+play+it+because+a+vocal+minority+likes+to+play+it+%28perhaps+our+future+PE+majors%3f%29+and+others+don%27t+want+to+rock+the+popularity+boat%2e++Following+Marina%27s+cookie+example%2c+as+a+parent%2c+I+know+that+my+kids+like+ice+cream%2c+and+would++eat+it+as+the+main+course+of+every+meal%2e+It%27s+my+job+to+be+sure+that+they+get+the+broccoli+that+they+need+for+good+nutrition%2c+AND+it%27s+my+job+to+prepare+the+broccoli+in+a+way+that+makes+it+appealing+to+them%2e+But%2c+unlike+ice+cream%2c+even+one+treat+of+dodgeball+sets+the+kids+up+for+injury%2c+psychological+distress%2c+frustration%2c+and+a+dislike+of+the+%26quot%3bstuff%26quot%3b+they+have+to+do+in+Gym+class%2e++Lastly%2c+throwing+at+targets+should+not+involve+human+targets%2e+Cones+or+swinging+hoops+are+just+as+difficult+to+hit%2e
72 I+agree+that+dodge+ball+in+its+%26quot%3bold+school%26quot%3b+form+with+kickballs+and+elimination+is+not+developmentally+appropriate%2c+but+some+of+the+newer+games+I+think+are+great+games+for+physical+education%2e++With+the+new+gator+skin+foam+balls%2c+it+is+hard+for+a+student+to+get+hurt+and+there+are+so+many+ways+to+avoid+elimination%2e++I+do+not+really+think+that+dodge+ball+is+that+dangerous%2c+relatively+speaking%2e++I+have+taught+1st+through+6th+grade%2c+and+it+seems+as+though+no+matter+what+I+do+a+kid+always+falls+or+trips+and+wants+to+go+to+the+nurse%2c+particularly+with+tag+for+the+5th+and+6th+graders+who+are+over+weight%2e++But+in+dodge+ball%2c+everyone+has+their+own+personal+space+and+they+are+still+getting+the+cardiovascular+workout+and+now+they+are+having+fun+as+opposed+to+doing+fitness+stations%2e++Sure+a+student+may+get+mildly+hurt+with+a+throw+every+500+throws%2c+but+that+is+still+a+lot+less+than+the+total+amount+of+injuries+I+have+for+any+other+class%2c+so+I+fail+to+see+the+danger+in+using+foam+and+nerf+balls%2e+I+think+the+injuries+are+blown+out+of+proportion+and+it+is+really+not+as+dangerous+as+people+think%2c+but+I+do+agree+there+is+an+emotional+danger+for+some+unathletic+people%2e+Regardless+of+the+argument+for+the+original+dodge+ball%2c+there+are+many+new+games+that+work+too%2e++For+example+I+play+a+game+where+I+set+up+bowling+pins+on+each+side+and+the+students+have+to+knock+down+the+other+team%27s+pins+with+gator+skin+foam+balls+or+nerf+balls%2e++In+order+to+do+so%2c+the+students+have+to+roll+the+ball+underhand+like+they+are+bowling%2e++Students+are+still+allowed+to+throw+at+other+students+but+the+balls+must+be+rolled+like+a+bowling+ball%2e++When+a+student+is+hit+in+the+feet+they+go+off+to+the+side%2c+pick+an+exercise+card+out+of+a+bowl%2c+perform+the+exercise%2c+and+come+back+in%2e++Students+are+also+allowed+to+catch+a+ball+if+it+is+rolling+at+their+feet%2c+but+they+must+catch+the+ball+cleanly+they+cannot+just+block+the+ball%2e++It+is+the+best+game+that+I+play+because+everyone+is+active+and+in+their+own+space+and+rarely+is+a+student+ever+injured%2e++Let%27s+face+it%2c+physical+education+classes+are+often+over+crowded+and+modified+dodge+ball+is+a+great+way+to+get+all+of+the+students+involved%2c+break+a+sweat%2c+have+fun%2c+and+get+their+heart+rates+up+too%2e
75 Regarding+dodgeball%2dThe+problem+with+dodgeball+is+that+many+PE+teachers+use+the+game+just+to+throw+out+a+ball%2c+without+any+objectives+in+mind%2e+Many+sports%2c+wrestling+for+example%2c+involve+getting+the+opponent+down%2c+to+overpower%2c+to+win%2e++With+the+right+guidelines+and+links+to+the+standards%2c+dodgeball+can+involve+rules+that+don%27t+not+necessarily+eliminate+people%2c++teach+proper+throwing%2c+catching%2c+and+dodging+skills%2c+the+game+can+be+educational+and+physically+challenging%2e++This+is+where+PE+teachers+need+to+act+in+a+professional+way+and+put+a+little+effort+into+their+lesson%2e
85 I+do+not+use+dodgeball+in+my+classes%2e++I+spend+too+much+time+getting+them+to+treat+each+other+appropriately+to+let+them+throw+balls+at+each+other%2e++Last+week+I+took+a+personal+day+and+the+sub+%26quot%3blet+them+play+dodgeball+instead+of+follow+the+lesson+plan%2e++One+of+the+classroom+teachers+noticed+an+obvious+change+for+the+worse+in+her+class+after+playing+25+minutes+of+dodgeball%2e+They+were+more+aggressive+to+each+other%2c+and+less+respectful+toward+each+other%2e++I+tend+to+wonder+how+many+unsupportive+administrators+were+the+kids+who+hid+along+the+back+wall+or+were+alwaysthe+first+ones+out%2e++I+tell+the+kids+that+beg+for+dodgeball+that+when+their+class+consistently+shows+respect+for+each+other%2c+I+might+consider+it%2e
93 My+kids+love+dodgeball+and+I+let+them+play+it%2e++If+dodgeball+allows+children+to+throw+balls+and+%26quot%3bhuman+targets%26quot%3b+doesn%27t+every+other+sport+%28volleyball%2c+basketball%2c+baseball%2c+softball+etc%29
115 I+play+dodge+ball+and+will+continue+until+they+%26quot%3boutlaw%26quot%3b+it%2e++They+game+played+with+certain+safety+rules+make+for+an+exercise+filled+fun+day%2eI%2eE%2e+No+throwing+above+waist%2c+if+hit+my+students+are+not+eliminate+but+have+to+do+various%2cvigorous+exercise+to+come+back+into+game%2e++Great+game+for+teaching+throwing+skills%2e
120 After+reviewing+the+dodgeball+articles+above+I+am+inclined+to+have+noticed+a+substantial+increase+in+the+grammatical+errors+of+the+pro+dodgeball+debaters%2e++Perhaps+this+is+a+coincidence%2c+or+perhaps+it+is+the+result+of+being+struck+in+the+occipital+protuberance+one+to+many+times+while+in+an+educational+setting+of+all+places%2e+Try+spell+check+dodgeball+players%2e
127 I+find+that+Dodgeball+is+a+very+aeorbic+game+and+can+develop+many+skills%2e++However+I+use+many+versions+of+dodgeball+and+always+where+no+one+sits+out%2e++Gatorballs+are+used%2c+below+the+waist%2c+and+games+that+involve+strategy+such+as+star+wars%2c+are+played%2e++Again+I+have+very+few+children+that+stand+back+on+the+endlines%2e++My+children+beg+to+play+dodgeball+games%2c+but+again+I+use+it+to+teach+other+basic+skills%2e
139 FYI%2c+there+was+an+article+recently+in+our+local+newspaper+about+dodgeball%2e+Here+is+my+response%3a%0a%0aDodgeball+in+Physical+Education%0a%0aProponents+of+dodgeball+in+physical+education+make+a+good+case%2e+The+game+involves+running%2c+dodging%2c+fleeing%2c+chasing+%2d+fundamental+movement+skills+we+like+to+teach+to+elementary+aged+children+%2d+and+is+fun+for+many+students%2e+It+also+involves+striking+classmates+%28typically+the+female%2c+slow+moving%2c+overweight%2c+lower+skilled%2c+late+maturing+ones%29+as+hard+as+possible+with+some+kind+of+ball%2e+Perhaps+we+need+to+ask+ourselves+whether+this+is+the+best+way+we+can+encourage+our+children+to+stay+healthy+and+active%2c+and+not+join+the+more+than+50%25+of+American+adults+already+overweight+and+at+much+higher+risk+of+heart+disease%2c+diabetes%2c+and+various+types+of+cancer%2e+I+could+also+teach+Shakespeare+by+standing+in+front+of+a+class+and+lecturing+for+40+minutes%2c+or+by+creating+a+dynamic+interaction+among+students+challenging+them+to+comprehend+then+act+out+scenes+from+Hamlet%2e+Through+which+experience+would+you+learn+more%3f+The+point+is+that+there+are+better+ways+than+dodgeball+to+develop+fundamental+movement+skills+that+do+not+risk+turning+youth+off+of+physical+activity%2e+What+does+puzzle+me+is+why+anyone+teaching+above+the+elementary+level+would+even+consider+dodgeball+in+their+physical+education+curriculum%2e+By+then+its+a+bit+late+to+be+teaching+basic+movement+skills%2e+Adolescent+youth+need+to+be+encouraged+into+lifetime+activities+such+as+tennis%2c+golf%2c+rock+climbing%2c+fishing%2c+hiking%2c+orienteering%2c+table+tennis%2c+dancing%2c+weight+training%2c+swimming%2c+skating+and+so+on%2e+Finally%2c+if+anyone+seriously+doubts+the+potential+impact+of+being+repeatedly+struck+by+a+ball+on+a+child%27s+development%2c+I+offer+the+following+invitation%2e+Contact+me+at+CWU+and+I+will+arrange+for+you+to+participate+in+a+30+minute+game+of+dodgeball+with+our+university+baseball+team%2e+Wear+your+shorts%2c+and+a+short+sleeved+t%2dshirt%2e+Bring+evidence+of+health+insurance+and+leave+your+glasses+on+the+sideline%2e+Afterwards%2c+tell+me+how+much+fun+you+had%2e%2e%2eand+maybe%2c+as+in+many+schools+we+could+repeat+it+daily%2e%0a%0aStephen+C%2e+Jefferies%2c+Professor%0aPhysical+Education%0aCentral+Washington+University
140 Another+news+article+on+Dodgeball+appeared+today+in+the+Washington+Post+Online%2c+Wednesday%2c+May+9+2001%2c+Page+A31%0aURL%3a+%5ctopurl%7bhttp%3a%2f%2fwashingtonpost%2ecom%2fwp%2ddyn%2fopionion%2fcolumns%2fwilliamsmarjorie%2fA1052%2d2001May8%2ehtml%2chttp%3a%2f%2fwashingtonpost%2ecom%2fwp%2ddyn%2fopionion%2fcolumns%2fwilliamsmarjorie%2fA1052%2d2001May8%2ehtml%7d%0a%0aThe+Painful+Playground+%0a%0aBy+Marjorie+Williams%0a%0aNow+it+can+be+told%2e+Two+years+after+the+killings+at+Columbine+High+School%2c+two+months+after+the+murders+at+Santana+High+School%2c+concerned+school+administrators+and+cutting%2dedge+gym+teachers+are+at+last+cracking+down+on+one+of+the+menaces+that+prey+on+the+psyches+of+America%27s+young%2e%0a%0aThe+culprit+in+question+is+dodge+ball+%2d%2d+also+known%2c+depending+on+where+you+went+to+school%2c+by+such+aliases+as+killerball%2c+prison+ball+and+bombardment%2e+In+school+districts+across+the+nation%2c+including+Fairfax+County%2c+authorities+have+banned+the+playing+of+these+games+in+physical+education+classes%2c+on+the+ground+that+they+foster+aggression+and+discriminate+against+less+athletic+children%2e+In+a+recent+symposium+in+the+Journal+of+Physical+Education%2c+Recreation+and+Dance%2c+Dennis+Docheff%2c+of+Wisconsin%27s+Concordia+University%2c+said%2c+%26quot%3bIn+today%27s+world%2c+with+so+many+things+breeding+violent+behavior+in+children%2c+there+is+no+room+for+dodgeball+anymore%2e%26quot%3b+A+game+that+uses+%26quot%3bstudents+as+human+targets%2c%26quot%3b+says+Mary+Marks%2c+health+and+PE+coordinator+for+Fairfax+County+public+schools%2c+%26quot%3bsets+up+the+potential+for+teasing+and+ridicule%2e%26quot%3b%0a%0aThe+alarm+over+dodge+ball+stands+at+the+delta+of+two+rivers+of+social+concern%3a+One+is+a+push+within+the+physical+education+profession+to+make+PE+more+inclusive%2e+Given+the+constricting+hours+devoted+to+gym+classes+across+the+country%2c+many+teachers+have+a+sensible+resistance+to+games+that+eliminate+players%2c+relegating+them+to+the+role+of+spectators+for+the+bulk+of+the+class%2e+This+movement+deserves+applause+for+its+efforts+to+make+gym+class+more+appealing+to+kids+who+aren%27t+naturally+inclined+toward+sports%2e%0a%0aBut+the+other+critique+of+dodge+ball+and+similar+games+flows+from+the+perceived+crisis+of+bullying+in+the+schools%2c+highlighted+by+the+murderous+reactions+of+the+Dylan+Klebolds+and+Eric+Harrises+and+Andy+Williamses+who+have+responded+by+killing+their+classmates%2e+This+social+boomlet+subscribes+to+a+Slippery+Slope+view+of+the+world%2c+in+which+all+manifestations+of+childhood+aggression+are+seen+as+potential+seedlings+of+pathology%2e%0a%0aThe+grandfather+of+dodge+ball+abolition+is+Neil+Williams%2c+a+professor+of+physical+education+at+Eastern+Connecticut+State+University%2c+who+recently+told+the+Chicago+Tribune+that+dodge+ball+%26quot%3bencourages+the+best+to+pick+on+the+weak+and+to+be+glorified+for+picking+on+the+weak%2e%26quot%3b+In+the+%2790s%2c+he+published+a+series+of+influential+articles+in+the+Journal+of+Physical+Education%2c+Recreation+and+Dance%2c+outlining+what+he+termed+the+%26quot%3bPhysical+Education+Hall+of+Shame%26quot%3b+%2d%2d+games+that+included+kickball%2c+dodge+ball%2c+Simon+says%2c+red+rover%2c+musical+chairs%2c+spud%2c+tag+and+even+duck%2c+duck%2c+goose+%2d%2d+some+on+the+grounds+that+they+include+too+much+sitting%2daround+time+but+others+on+the+grounds+that+they+promote+cliques+or+aggression%2e%0a%0aThe+only+way+this+pocket+social+movement+makes+any+sense+is+as+a+mirror+of+adult+anxiety+over+children%27s+lives+%2d%2d+a+sort+of+smiling+cousin+to+the+%26quot%3bzero%2dtolerance%26quot%3b+policies+that+grown%2dups+have+devised+toward+drugs+and+toy+weapons+and+sexual+harassment+on+the+playground+as+a+way+of+coping+with+the+teeming+variability+of+children%27s+personalities+and+problems+and+backgrounds%2e+It+suggests+that+if+only+we+can+systematically+eliminate+all+the+transactions+through+which+children+express+their+aggression%2c+we+can+eliminate+aggression+itself%2e+%0a%0aIt+might+seem+pessimistic+to+think+that+children+bombarded+by+images+of+violence+%28Mortal+Kombat%2c+anyone%3f%29%2c+and+all+too+often+by+violence+itself%2c+can+be+plunged+into+depravity+because+their+gym+teachers+sanctioned+a+game+in+which+they+threw+balls+at+each+other%2e+But+this+belief+is+in+fact+a+form+of+screwball+optimism%3a+If+only+we+do+everything+right%2c+it+whispers+%2d%2d+if+we+add+precisely+the+right+ingredients+to+the+snakes+and+snails+and+puppy+dogs%27+tails+of+boys%27+natures+%2d%2d+then+we+can%2c+after+all%2c+control+or+forestall+a+terrifying+social+disorder%2e+%0a%0aThis+wishful+illusion+of+control+is+much+easier+than+most+of+the+other+possible+avenues+to+avoiding+future+Columbines%2c+which+include+assigning+every+child+a+parent+who+is+paying+attention%2c+and+a+school+whose+officials+actually+know+the+children+in+their+charge%2c+and+maybe+even+a+social+order+that+doesn%27t+hold+the+rights+of+gun+owners+in+such+holy+esteem%2e%0a%0aOf+course+there+are+kids+for+whom+gym+class+is+purgatory+%2d%2d+just+as+there+are+those+for+whom+math+class+is+a+bed+of+nails%2e+Of+course+we+should+teach+children+to+treat+each+other+well%2e+Of+course+we+should+take+seriously+the+damage+that+even+the+best+kids+can+do+to+each+other+in+the+state+of+nature+we+call+sixth+grade%2e+But+we+can%27t+eliminate+social+pain+from+childhood%2c+and+we+don%27t+do+children+any+favors+by+suggesting+that+its+every+manifestation+is+unendurable%2e%0a%0a%a9+2001+The+Washington+Post+Company
43 The+Dodgeball+Debate+continues+here%2e%2e%2e+What+are+your+conclusions+derived+from+the+Articles+as+featured+on+the+Elementary+Page+%2812th+March+2001%29+on+PELINKS4U+%3f+%0a%0ahttp%3a%2f%2fwww%2epelinks4u%2eorg%2farchives%2felementary%2f031201%2ehtm%0a%0aCheck+the+PE+Forum+regularly+or+create+your+own+user+profile+so+that+you+will+be+automatically+notified+when+additions+are+made+to+this+topic%2e
143 The+previous+article+motivated+me+to+write+the+following+response%2e+Whether+you+agree+or+disagree+please+be+sure+to+add+your+own+thoughts+to+this+topic%2e%0a%0aSteve+Jefferies%0aPELINKS4U%0a%0a%2a%2a%2a%2a%0aMarjorie%3a%0a%0aI+read+with+interest+your+recent+commentary+on+dodgeball+in+%26quot%3bgym%26quot%3b+classes%2e+Although+you+probably+felt+it+struck+a+nice+balance+between+%26quot%3binfo%2dtainment%26quot%3b+and+controversy%2c+you+should+be+aware+how+hurtful+your+assertions+and+insinuations+were+to+many+teachers+who+have+dedicated+their+lives+to+%26quot%3bphysically+educating%26quot%3b+children%2e+While+you+are+absolutely+right+that+treating+other+humans+with+respect+doesn%27t+guarantee+they+will+mature+into+productive+members+of+society%2c+trivializing+the+efforts+of+folk+who+are+trying+their+hardest+to+make+a+difference+in+the+lives+of+children+is+little+more+than+%26quot%3bcheap%2dshot%26quot%3b+journalism%2e%0a%0aYou+allude+to+the+fact+that+there+is+no+simple+solution+to+youth+violence+%2d+if+there+was+we+would+surely+implement+it+%2d+while+simultaneously+pointing+out+the+futility+of+those+teaching+professionals+who+are+trying+in+the+small+way+that+they+control+to+create+a+more+humane+school+environment%2e+What+were+you+thinking+to+publicly+ridicule+the+efforts+of+those+who+are+actually+trying+to+make+a+difference%3f+Just+how+much+time+did+you+spend+in+playgrounds+and+gyms+researching+this+article%3f+For+your+information%2c+trying+to+change+children%27s+attitudes+is+an+incredibly+difficult+and+frustrating+challenge%2c+and+folk+are+eager+to+grasp+sensationalistic+offerings+such+as+yours+to+defend+behaviors+that+many+educators+are+endeavoring+to+change%2e+It+is+an+ongoing+struggle+to+eliminate+the+humiliating+experience+of+old+%26quot%3bgym%26quot%3b+classes+in+which+girls+are+separated+as+second%2dclass+citizens%2c+and+captains+pick+teams+leaving+the+low+skilled+students+in+line+as+last+choices%2e+In+your+article%2c+by+pretending+to+evenly+straddle+a+division+of+opinion+you+simply+were+setting+yourself+up+to+take+ill%2dinformed+pot+shots+at+an+issue+that+warranted+much+more+thoughtful+analysis%2e+%0a%0aSuggesting+that+folks+opposed+to+dodgeball+express+a+belief+that+is+%26quot%3bin+fact+a+form+of+screwball+optimism%26quot%3b+represents+a+demeaning+naivete+on+your+own+part+regarding+the+intellect+of+physical+educators%2e+Physical+educators+%28they+are+not+%26quot%3bgym%26quot%3b+teachers%29+are+under+no+illusions+because%2c+unlike+you%2c+they+are+the+ones+who+spend+their+days+with+children+and+personally+face+issues+such+as+school+violence%2e+They+are+the+ones+who+are+trying+to+build+up+the+self%2desteem+of+children+who+for+all+we+know+may+indeed+be+the+future+Dylan+Klebolds+and+Eric+Harrises%2e+The+small+efforts+they+make+may+indeed+often+be+ineffective+Marjorie%2c+but+they+are+at+least+making+an+effort+rather+than+devoting+their+literary+energies+to+sabotaging+the+efforts+of+others+who+dedicate+their+lives+to+the+welfare+of+children%2e+%0a%0aYour+article+was+both+demeaning+and+insulting%2e+I+would+suggest+that+in+the+future+you+avoid+intellectualizing+about+topics+which+you+almost+certainly+have+zero+practical+experience%2e+Did+you+for+a+moment+not+realize+that+those+opposed+to+dodgeball+see+firsthand+the+potential+negative+impact+of+the+game+on+young+children%3f+Just+for+a+moment+focus+your+intellectual+capacities+on+a+vision+of+YOU%2c+an+adult+dressed+in+shorts+and+a+short+sleeved+t%2dshirt%2e+Around+you+are+other+adults+intent+of+hitting+you+as+hard+as+possible+with+a+ball%2e+You+are+low+skilled%2c+they+are+high+skilled%2e+You+get+struck+from+the+front%2c+from+the+back%2c+in+the+head%2c+on+the+face%2e+Your+glasses+bounce+across+the+floor+as+you+fall+over+and+now+are+a+stationary+target+for+anyone+holding+a+ball%2e+They+are+laughing+as+you+helplessly+attempt+to+protect+yourself+while+balls+come+from+all+directions%2e+The+welts+on+your+body+turn+red+and+sting%2e+This+continues+for+30+minutes+and+then+is+repeated+on+an+almost+daily+basis%2e+Are+you+having+fun%3f+How%27s+your+self%2desteem%3f+Is+this+a+positive+educational+experience+you+would+wish+for+all+children%3f+How+about+for+your+own+children%3f+During+this+experience+might+not+the+glimmer+of+inspirational+thought+strike+you+%28perhaps+accompanied+by+a+ball%29+to+consider+that+we+would+be+better+served+by+eliminating+this+%28small%29+%26quot%3bmanifestation+of+social+pain+from+childhood%26quot%3b%3f+If+you+aren%27t+sure%2c+might+I+suggest+that+for+your+next+article+you+report+on+the+real+experience%2e+I%27d+be+happy+to+set+it+up%2e%0a%0aI+just+wonder+where+you+would+choose+to+draw+the+line+in+your+%26quot%3bthis+is+the+real%2dworld%26quot%3b+argument+against+protecting+children+from+the+risk+of+harm%3f+In+the+safe+arena+of+your+journalistic+intellectualizing+is+there+a+line%3f+Or+would+you+suggest+that+we+simply+let+our+children+be+exposed+to+all+possible+risks+of+%26quot%3bsocial+pain%26quot%3b+in+the+apparent+belief+this+will+make+them+more+resilient+in+the+future%3f+If+so%2c+let%27s+do+away+with+crossing+guards+at+schools%2c+remove+school+speed+zones%2c+and+eliminate+student+behavioral+expectations%2e+Marjorie%2c+physical+educators+have+no+%26quot%3billusions+of+control+over+social+disorder%26quot%3b+and+like+you+we+don%27t+have+all+the+answers+to+eliminating+school+violence%2e+But+is+it+so+difficult+for+you+to+recognize+a+difference+between+activities+that+have+a+low+or+high+risk+of+physical+and+emotional+harm%3f+It+may+not+be+a+complicated+concept+nor+one+worthy+of+a+Washington+Post+publication%2c+but+for+the+sake+of+our+children+let%27s+hope+it%27s+a+distinction+that+the+school+teachers+you+took+delight+in+criticizing+continue+to+recognize%2e%0a%0aFinally%2c+perhaps+you+also+missed+the+irony+of+your+own+cynical+writing+style%2e+While+dismissing+the+efforts+of+apparently+%28in+your+opinion%29%2c+misguided+do%2dgood+dodgeball+detractors%2c+you+simultaneously+lament+the+evils+of+school+violence%2e+Well+guess+what+Marjorie%3f+If+you+conduct+a+little+more+%26quot%3bresearch%26quot%3b+you+might+discover+that+the+putting+down+of+others+%2d+apparently+the+point+of+your+article+%2d+is+precisely+one+of+those+evils+that+is+associated+with+the+kind+of+alienation+that+results+in+social+misfits%2e+%0a%0aSincerely%2c%0a%0aStephen+C%2e+Jefferies%2c+Professor%0aPhysical+Education%0aCentral+Washington+University
144 On+May+14+Rick+Reilly+in+Sports+Illustrated+published+the+following+commentary+%28to+which+I+respond+in+the+next+posting%29%3a%0a%0a%2a%2a%2a%2a%0a%0aThe+Weak+Shall+Inherit+the+Gym+%0a%0aPosted%3a+Tuesday+May+08%2c+2001+5%3a55+PM%0a%0aNot+to+alarm+you%2c+but+America+is+going+softer+than+left%2dout+butter%2e+Exhibit+9%2c137%3a+Schools+have+started+banning+dodgeball%2e+%0a%0aI+kid+you+not%2e+Dodgeball+has+been+outlawed+by+some+school+districts+in+New+York%2c+Texas%2c+Utah+and+Virginia%2e+Many+more+are+thinking+about+it%2c+like+Cecil+County%2c+Md%2e%2c+where+the+school+board+wants+to+ban+any+game+with+%26quot%3bhuman+targets%2e%26quot%3b+Personally%2c+I+wish+all+these+people+would+go+suck+their+Birkenstocks%2e+%0a%0aHuman+targets%3f+What%27s+tag%3f+What%27s+a+snowball+fight%3f+What%27s+a+close+play+at+second%3f+Neil+Williams%2c+a+physical+education+professor+at+Eastern+Connecticut+State%2c+says+dodgeball+has+to+go+because+it+%26quot%3bencourages+the+best+to+pick+on+the+weak%2e%26quot%3b+Noooo%21+You+mean+there%27s+weak+in+the+world%3f+There%27s+strong%3f+Of+course+there+is%2c+and+dodgeball+is+one+of+the+first+opportunities+in+life+to+figure+out+which+one+you+are+and+how+you%27re+going+to+deal+with+it%2e+%0a%0aWe+had+a+bully%2c+Big+Joe%2c+in+our+seventh+grade%2e+Must+have+weighed+225+pounds%2c+used+to+take+your+underwear+while+you+were+in+the+shower+and+parade+around+the+locker+room+twirling+it+on+his+finger%2e+We+also+had+a+kid+named+Melvin%2c+who+was+so+thin+we+could%27ve+faxed+him+from+class+to+class%2e+I%27ll+never+forget+the+dodgeball+game+in+which+Big+Joe+had+a+ball+in+each+hand+and+one+sandwiched+between+his+knees%2c+firing+at+our+side+like+a+human+tennis%2dball+machine%2c+when%2c+all+of+a+sudden%2c+he+got+plunked+right+in+his+7%2dEleven%2dsized+butt%2e+Joe+whirled+around+to+see+who%27d+done+it+and+saw+that+it+was+none+other+than+Melvin%2c+all+83+pounds+of+him%2c+most+of+it+smile%2e+%0a%0aSome+of+these+New+Age+whiners+say+dodgeball+is+inappropriate+in+these+times+of+horrifying+school+shootings%2e+Are+you+kidding%3f+Dodgeball+is+one+of+the+few+times+in+life+when+you+get+to+let+out+your+aggressions%2c+no+questions+asked%2e+We+don%27t+need+less+dodgeball+in+schools%2c+we+need+more%21+%0a%0aI+know+what+all+these+NPR%2dlistening%2c+Starbucks%2dguzzling+parents+want%2e+They+want+their+Ambers+and+their+Alexanders+to+grow+up+in+a+cozy+womb+of+noncompetition%2c+where+everybody+shares+tofu+and+Little+Red+Riding+Hood+and+the+big%2c+bad+wolf+set+up+a+commune%2e+Then+their+kids+will+stumble+out+into+the+bright+light+of+the+real+world+and+find+out+that%2c+yes%2c+there%27s+weak+and+there%27s+strong+and+teams+and+sides+and+winning+and+losing%2e+You%27ll+recognize+those+kids%2e+They%27ll+be+the+ones+filling+up+chalupas%2e+Very+noncompetitive%2e+%0a%0aBut+Williams+and+his+fellow+wusses+aren%27t+stopping+at+dodgeball%2e+In+their+Physical+Education+Hall+of+Shame+they%27ve+also+included+duck%2dduck%2dgoose+and+musical+chairs%2e+Seriously%2e+So%2c+if+we+give+them+dodgeball%2c+you+can+look+for+these+games+to+be+banned+next%3a+%0a%0aTag%2e+Referring+to+any+child+as+it+is+demeaning+and+hurtful%2e+Instead+of+the+child+hollering%2c+%26quot%3bYou%27re+it%21%26quot%3b+we+recommend%2c+%26quot%3bYou%27re+special%21%26quot%3b+%0a%0aRed+Rover%2e+Inappropriate+labeling+of+children+as+animals%2e+Also%2c+the+use+of+the+word+red+evokes+Communist+undertones%2e+%0a%0aSardines%2e+Unfairly+leaves+one+child+alone+at+the+end+as+the+loser+%2d%2d+a+term+psychologists+have+deemed+unacceptable%2e+%0a%0aHide%2dand%2dseek%2e+No+child+need+hide+or+be+sought%2e+The+modern+child+runs+free+in+search+of+himself%2e+%0a%0aBaseball%2e+Involves+wrong%2dheaded+notions+of+stealing%2c+errors+and+gruesome+hit%2dand%2drun%2e+Players+should+always+be+safe%2c+never+out%2e+%0a%0aHopscotch%2e+Sounds+vaguely+alcoholic%2c+not+to+mention+demeaning+to+our+friends+of+Scottish+ancestry%2e+%0a%0aMarbles%2e+Winning+others%27+marbles+is+overly+capitalistic%2e+%0a%0aMarco+Polo%2e+Mocks+the+blind%2e+%0a%0aCapture+the+flag%2e+Mimics+war%2e+%0a%0aKick+the+can%2e+Unfair+to+the+can%2e+%0a%0aIf+we+let+these+PC+twinkies+have+their+way%2c+we%27ll+be+left+with%3a+%0a%0aDuck%2dduck%2dduck%2e+Teacher+spends+the+entire+hour+patting+each+child+softly+on+the+head%2e+%0a%0aUpsy+down%2e+The+entire+class+takes+turns+fluffing+the+gym+teacher%27s+pillow+before+her+nap%2e+%0a%0aSwedish+baseball%2e+Players+are+allowed+free+passage+to+first%2c+second+or+third%2c+where+they+receive+a+relaxing+two%2dminute+massage+from+opposing+players%2e+%0a%0aSmear+the+mirror%2e+Students+take+turns+using+whipped+cream+to+smear+parts+of+their+reflection+they+don%27t+like%2c+e%2eg%2e%2c+the+fat+they+have+accrued+from+never+doing+a+damn+thing+in+gym+class%2e+%0a%0aIssue+date%3a+May+14%2c+2001
145 Response+to+Reilly%3a%0a%2a%2a%2a%2a%0a%0aThe+humor+that+you+managed+to+extract+out+of+news+that+some+schools+have+banned+the+playing+of+dodgeball%2c+ignores+the+fact+that+for+low+skilled%2c+less+mature%2c+less+physically+motivated%2c+and+often+female+students+who+because+of+a+lack+of+practice+do+not+possess+proficient+throwing+skills%2c+being+repeatedly+struck+by+a+ball+is+not+the+kind+of+positive+educational+experience+we+need+in+schools%2e+Humiliation%2c+pain%2c+and+being+picked+on+by+more+physically+skilled+children+are+not+characteristics+of+the+kind+of+learning+environment+most+parents+would+prefer+for+our+children%2e+Your+remaining+trite+comments+about+the+possible+banning+of+other+games+reflects+your+apparent+ignorance+of+the+purpose+of+physical+education+in+schools+which+is+to+motivate+children+towards+healthy+and+active+lifestyles+%2d+not+to+beat+out+any+last+interest+through+repeated+exposure+to+acts+of+macho%2c+testosterone+driven+aggression%2e+Go+get+some+practical+dodgeball+experience+with+some+of+your+professional+baseball+friends+and+after+30+minutes+of+being+pounded+by+skilled+athletes+report+back+to+us%21
146 Dodgeball+as+played+when+I+was+in+high+school+is+inappropriate%2e%2e%2e%2e%2ebut+today+there+are+so+many+adaptations+of+the+game+that+develop+skills+and+are+fun+for+the+students+and+are+good+for+them%2e+%0a%0a+I+think+that+everyone+is+forgetting+that+you+as+a+physical+educator+set+the+tone+for+the+class%2e++Yes%2c+the+content+is+important+but+you+are+the+one+that+models+respect%2c+sportsmanship%2c+demands+cooperation+and+kindness+and+sets+the+tone+for+the+class%2e++If+you+stress+competition+rather+than+fun+that+is+what+your+students+will+learn%2e++If+you+make+it+a+game+of+targets+and+elimination+then+that+is+what+your+students+will+learn%2e++If+you+make+it+a+game+of+fun+and+provide+students+an+opportunity+to+help+each+other+and+cooperate+that+is+what+they+will+learn%2e++It+is+up+to+each+individual+to+decide+what+they+believe+and+act+on+that%2e+Most+of+all%2c+no+one+can+judge+the+effectiveness+of+another+teacher+by+whether+or+not+they+play+%26quot%3bdodgeball%26quot%3b+in+some+form%2e++By+the+way%2c+none+of+us+are+perfect%2c+we+all+make+mistakes+in+spelling+and+grammer%2c+especially+when+we+are+typing+in+a+hurry%2e%2e%2e%2elet%27s+not+get+too+critical%2e++We+need+to+be+supportive+of+each+other%2e
149 When+I+attended+San+Diego+State+University+one+of+the+very+first+things+we+learned+is+to+NEVER+play+dodgeball%21++Our+professors+informed+us+that+in+California+we+could+no+longer+legally+play+this+horrible+game%2e++Whether+it+is+legal+or+not+is+not+the+issue%2e%2e%2ethere+is+no+place+for+it+in+the+classroom%21%21++Even+modifications+are+useless%2e++Seperating+based+on+gender+IS+illegal%21%21++Some+have+stated+how+great+the+skills+are+that+students+will+be+using%2e++There+are+so+many+other+activities%2fdrills+that+can+be+used+that+this+argument+is+rather+%26quot%3bstupid%26quot%3b%2e++How+many+of+the+students+are+really+getting+those+skills+you+speak+of%2c+anyway%3f++I+can+tell+you+if+you+are+observing%2c+there+is+only+a+handful+of+the+more+competitive+students+achieving+these+skills%2e++Everyone+else+is+just+a+target%21++If+you+are+truly+a+Physical+Educator+then+you+should+go+back+to+the+standards%2c+frameworks%2c+mandates%2c+or+even+go+back+to+school+and+get+re%2deducated%21++If+you+are+a+self%2dcontained+classroom+teacher%2c+you+obviously+don%27t+have+the+expertise+to+be+making+any+educated+decision+on+this+subject%2e++Refer+to+the+Physical+Education+Speicalist+in+your+District+and+get+the+correct+information%21%21
150 I+stopped+playing+bombardment+25+years+ago+for+the%0asame+reasons+that+are+given+today%2e+Instead+of%0adodgeball+we+play+a+game+called+Targetball%2e+Instead+of+human+targets%2c+our+target+is+a+old%0abasketball+that+does+not+hold+air%2e+We+have+four%0ateams+with+one+team+on+each+line+of+a+thirty+foot%0asquare%2e+The+targetball+is+placed+in+the+middle+of%0athe+square%2e+Each+team+begins+with+two+playground%0aballs%2e+The+idea+of+the+game+is+to+hit+the+target%2d%0aball+and+drive+it+across+another+team%27s+line%2e+You%0aare+trying+to+give+all+the+points+to+the+other%0ateams%2e+The+team+with+the+lowest+number+of+points%0awins%2e+The+game+is+over+when+the+targetball+crosses%0aa+line%2e+Place+the+targetball+in+the+middle%2c+pass%0aout+the+playground+balls%2c+and+begin+again%2e+Target%2d%0aball+is+excellent+game+to+improve+throwing+skills%0aand+is+fast+paced+and+exciting%2e
152 Dodgeball+if+FUN+FOR+THE+KIDS%21%21%21%21%21++Make+very+specific+rules+for+the+students+to+make+sure+that+the+possibility+of+anyone+getting+hurt+is+minimized%2e++It+is+an+exciting+game+for+the+kids+and+it+can+be+a+very+challenging+team+game%2e+++Modify+the+rules+so+no+one+gets+hurt%2c+end+of+story%2e
155 Gordie%2d%0a%0aAsk+the+10+kids+on+each+side+of+the+court+who+are+hanging+out+at+the+baseline+and+retrieving+the+balls+for+the+others%2cif+it+is+fun+for+them%2e++Yes%2c+it+may+be%2c+but+not+for+the+reasons+you+want+them+to+have+fun+%28moving%2c+being+a+part+of+a+team%2c+working+together%2c+achieving+a+goal%2c+etc%29%2e++%0a%0aIt+is%2c+more+than+likely%2c+fun+for+them+because+they+can+hide+out%2c+socialize+and+not+be+noticed%2e++Moreover%2c+I%27d+bet+that+they+are+horrified+more+than+anything+else%2c+avoiding+having+to+throw+and%2for+drop+a+ball+or+get+pegged+with+the+ball%2e++Logically%2c+dodgeball+doesn%27t+infuse+the+attitude+that+physical+activity+is+good+for+us+and+%26quot%3bFUN+FOR+THE+KIDS%21%21%21%21%21%26quot%3b%2e%0a%0aI%27ve+never+seen+an+elementary+dodgeball+game+where+EVERYONE+is+having+fun%2c+learning%2c+and+being+physically+active%2d%2dno+matter+the+modifications%2e%0a%0aI+also+ask+myself+this+question%3a++If+my+job+as+an+elementary+physical+education+teacher+is+to+help+children+learn+skills+so+that+they+can+participate+in+a+variety+of+sports%2c+then+where+does+dodgeball+come+in+to+play%3f++I+have+racked+my+brain+and+can+think+of+no+SPORT+where+throwing+the+ball+is+a+necessary+skill+%28with+the+exception+of+throwing+an+intentional+beanball+in+baseball%2e++I%2c+personally%2c+don%27t+need+to+teach+my+kids+that+skill%29%21++%0aFootball%3f+Throw+the+ball+to+and+away%2e++Baseball%3f+Throw+to+and+away%2e++Volleyball+and+Tennis%3f+throw+to+self%2e++The+only+time+I+can+see+it+is+in+basketball+when+you+need+to+throw+the+ball+at+someone+when+you+have+picked+up+your+dribble%2e++How+many+times+does+that+happen+in+a+game%3f++If+you+are+a+good+dribbler+and+have+LEARNED+the+game%2c+you+really+shouldn%27t+have+a+need+for+this+skill%2e%0a%0aRick+Reilly+is+a+good+writer+and+he+is+funny%2e++But%2c+that+is+what+we+need+to+remember%2c+he+is+CLUELESS+when+it+comes+to+appropriate+physical+education%2e++He+wants+people+to+respond+to+him%2c+that+is+his+job%2e++He+can%27t+be+taken+seriously%2e++However%2c+it+is+scary+that+physical+educators+who+are+%26quot%3bin+the+know%26quot%3b+who+ditto+his+remarks%2e
159 My+take+on+the+debate+on+dodgeball+is+that+it+has+NO+value+whatsoever%2e+This+activity%2c+along+with+other+%26quot%3binfamous%26quot%3b+PE+games%2c+etc%2e+has+been+black%2dflagged+by+many+respectable+publications+and+websites+geared+toward+Physical+Education+teachers%2e++I+know+in+my+classes+who+can+throw+with+the+proper+form%2c+and+who+struggle%2e++Im+not+so+sure+the+kids+understand+the+%26quot%3bbenefit%26quot%3b+to+playing+dodgeball%2c+other+than+they+get+to+fire+various+types+of+balls+at+other+kids%2e++Is+this+developmentally+appropriate%3f++no+way%2e++Its+a+cop%2dout+for+PE+teachers+to+stand+and+throw+the+balls+out+and+watch+students+throw+relentlessly+at+each+other%2e++If+there+are+PE+teachers+out+there+playing+this+activity%2c+and+they+are+looking+at+throwing+skills%2c+they+had+better+have+a+cue+sheet+list+with+every+students+name%2c+so+they+can+accurately+provide+more+relevant+information+on+each+child%27s+throwing+skills%2e++There+are+so+many+other+types+of+throwing+activities+that+can+be+done+to+promote+the+proper+motion%2c+and+playing+a+game+that+can+and+has+affected+the+psyche+of+some%2c+DOES+NOT+have+a+place+in+any+Physical+Education+classroom%2e
160 So%2c+basically%2c+we+as+P%2e+E%2e+Teachers+have+the+job+of+saving+the+world%21%3f++No%21++The+problems+we+are+seeing+with+children+%28Columbine%29these+days+is+based+on+the+same+psycho%2dbabble+you+are+using+against+dodgeball%2e++Life+IS+survivial+of+the+fittest+and+all+about+competetion%2e++We+can%27t+change+that%2e++It%27s+EVERYWHERE%21++And+by+sheltering+these+kids+we+are+causing+them+to+not+develop+strategies+to+cope+with+being+let+down+or+scared%2e++Which+is+why+Columbine+happens%2e++Kids+who+have+not+learned+how+to+cope+with+life%27s+few+up+and+many+downs%2e++I+play+dodgeball%2dtype+games+with+the+kids+all+the+time%2e++The+learn+how+to+dodge+%28important+in+lots+of+sports+and+activities%29%2c+throw+%28enough+said%29%2c+and+even+deal+with+competition%2e++Plus+it%27s+VERY+aerobic%21++If+you+make++decent+rules%2c+have+a+reason+%28with+the+kids+knowing+the+reason%29for+playing%2c+and+soft+balls%2c+this+game+is+excellent%21
162 Yes+%2c+dodgeball+is+fun+and+ask+all+those+students+who+get+hit+in+places+that+can%27t+me+mentioned+or+in+the+face%2e+It+is+not+very+aerobic+as+stated+%2e+I+think+hiding+behind+somebody+%2c+chasing+a+ball+less+than+30+feet+and+throwing+is+not+active+at+all+%2eYes+%2c+you+have+to+dodge+a+baseball+and+that+is+from+the+pitcher+whose+job+at+times+is+to+see+how+close+%28or+hit%29+the+opposing+teams+top+hitter+%2e+In+b%2dball+you+dodge+but+mostly+on+defense+or+a+loose+ball+%2e+The+same+goes+for+dodging+300+lb%2e+lineman+but+where+does+the+throwing+come+in+to+that+%2e+Just+recently+%2c+while+on+duty+at+recess+%2c+I+noticed+the+students+playing+dodgeball+%2e+The+scenario+looked+like+the+battles+in+Revolutionary+days+where+each+side+stood+facing+each+other+at+shooting+at+close+range%28see+the+Patriot+movie%29%2e+Within+moments+before+I+got+wind+of+the+activity%28I+have+to+watch+over+100+kids%29+%2c+a+girl+got+hit+in+the+face+%2c+broken+glasses+%2c+cut+lip+and+a+slight+cut+on+the+cheek+%2e+This+is+within+15+seconds+%2e+The+only+aerobic+activity+was+the+run+to+the+nurses+office%2e+And+don%27t+give+us+the+Columbine+garbage+%21+You+may+disguise+the+rules+with+equipment+but+it+still+the+same+%2d+the+only+kids+who+like+it+are+the+ones+with+the+best+arms+and+the+best+aim+%2e+The+others+are+left+to+squander+in+embarrassment+and+low+self+esteem+%2e+Last+week+a+teaching+colleague+was+playing+dodgeball+and+was+viewed+by+a+PTA+parent+%2e+%26quot%3bAnybody+can+teach+that+%2c+%26quot%3b+she+swaggered+%2e+Well+%2c+if+that+really+is+the+answer+then+I+guess+we+need+to+examine+our+curriculum+and+check+what+we+are+teaching+%2c+hopefully+%2c+activities+that+the+normal+lay+person+can%27t+comprehend+%2c+or+even+better+%2c+%26quot%3b+I+wish+I+did+that+when+I+had+PE+in+school+%2e%26quot%3b+%21NOT+DODGEBALL
164 Dodgeball%2c+No+Way%0aHow+many+of+you+are+helping+the+students+improve+their+throwing+skills+by+giving+cues+in+the+middle+of+a+dodgeball+game%3f++There+are+too+many+activities+that+are+more+appropriate+to+be+wasting+time+playing+dodgeball%2e++I+can+not+think+of+one+good+reason+to+hurl+equipment+at+another+person%2e%0aLaurie+Wagner
165 Dodgeball+is+a+game+of+the+past%2e++It+has+never+been+fun+for+the+person+who+was+always+hit%2e++Usually+the+students+who+need+to+be+active+are+the+ones+out+of+the+game+first%2e++The+students+we+need+to+encourage+to+be+active+are+those+who+are+being+hit%2e++%0a+++++It+is+not+a+game+I+use+in+my+Physical+Education+classes%2e++There+are+too+many+other+things+I+need+to+teach+in+class+and+not+enough+time+to+do+them%2e++Yes%2c+I+teach+Physical+Education%2e++I+don%27t+roll+out+the+ball+and+let+the+students+play%2e++The+people+who+use+dodgeball+are+not+Physical+Educators%2c+they+are+%26quot%3bgym+teachers%26quot%3b+who+roll+out+the+ball+and+let+the+students+play%2e
166 I+play+dodgeball+with+my+elementary+students+boys%0aand+girls+together%2e+They+love+it%2e+I+made+sockballs%0aand+they+work+great%2e
170 well%2c+we+people+of+the+2000+millenia+can+now+use+VERY+soft+balls+%28gatorskin%29+to+avoid+broken+glasses+and+cut+lips%2e++Also%2c+how+the+heck+can+you+state+that+it%27s+not+aerobic%3f++Play+it+sometime%2e%2e%2eyou+will+sweat+your+a%24%24+off%2c+as+do+my+students%2e++You+mean+to+tell+me+that+you+don%27t+play+games+with+your+students+once+in+a+while+just+because+they+like+it%3f++I+do+this+a+few+times+a+year+as+a+break+from+our+regular+curriculum%2e++EVERYONE+enjoys+it%2c+boys%2c+girls%2c+athletes%2c+and+the+opposite+side+of+the+coin%2e++I+played+with+6+classes+today%2c+one+very+minor+injury+%28kid+bumping+into+another%2c+can+happen+with+anything%29+and+not+1+sad+face+today%2e++I+think+you+are+remembering+your+experiences+from+20+years+ago%2c+and+not+seeing+the+game+today%2e++You+should+be+able+to+play+a+game%2c+which+uses+skills%2c+but+not+have+to+stop+every+10+seconds+to+coach+the+kids%2e++Let+them+learn+from+experience%2e%2e%2eand+then+after+you+are+done%2c+talk+to+the+kids+about+technique%2e++Everyone+should+let+their+students+pick+a+game+of+their+choice+to+play+a+few+times+a+year%2e++If+you+offer+a+dodgeball+game%2c+i+bet+95%25+of+the+kids+pick+it%2c+and+the+other+5%25+won%27t+mind%2e++Wow%2c+tough+teachers+here%2e++Hate+to+be+your+students%21++%3a%29
185 ok%2c+here%27s+a+game+that+might+make+you+guys+happy%2e+my+kids+love+to+play+%26quot%3bborder+patrol%26quot%3b%2e++short+version%2e%2e%2eset+up+5+plastic+bowling+pins+on+each+side+of+the+gym%2c+2+teams%2c+first+team+to+knock+down+all+the+other+team%27s+pins+wins%2e++use+those+soft+fleeceballs+since+the+kids+use+their+bodies+to+shield+the+cones%2c+no+more+than+2+people+guarding+a+pin%2e++the+kids+love+it%2c+ALL+OF+THEM%2e++It%27s+basically+%26quot%3bget+hit+by+choice%26quot%3b%21++let+me+know+if+you+want+more+details%2c+rules%2c+etc%2e%2e%2e
190 %5cb%7b%5cc%7bSilly+Dodgeball+Debate+Continues%7d%7d%0a%0aby+Jack+Hutslar%2c+Ph%2eD%2e%0aNorth+American+Youth+Sport+Institute%0awww%2eNAYSI%2ecom%0aMay+30%2c+2001%0a%0a%0aMuch+to+my+surprise%2c+I+received+a+telephone+call+from+NBC+in+New+York+City%2e+They+wanted+me+to+appear+on+one+of+their+morning+shows%2e+Given+the+nature+of+the+news+today%2c+I+fully+expected+to+be+asked+about+injuries+in+youth+sport+or+violence+among+players%2c+coaches+and+parents%2e+Those+%26quot%3bbad+news%26quot%3b+topics+dominate+my+calls+from+the+media%2e%0a%0aAs+we+should+be+coming+to+understand%2c+the+media+tends+to+pursue+anything+that+can+be+portrayed+as+dirt%2e+They+seldom+call+me+about+or+otherwise+deal+with+good+news%2e+As+you+know+from+the+title+of+this+article%2c+this+was+another+call+from+the+big+time+media+about+these+silly+little+games+of+dodgeball%2e+I+have+fielded+a+number+of+them+in+the+past+month%2e%0a%0aI+suppose+that+it+should+not+surprise+us+that+there+are+people+in+the+hinterlands+who+have+adopted+the+elimination+of+dodgeball+in+the+schools+as+their+current+mission%2e+The+media%2c+operating+as+it+does%2c+sees+a+hit+with+this+debate%2e+In+this+case%2c+I+believe+they+are+helping+to+make+something+out+of+nothing%2e%0a%0aNay%2dsayers+are+positioning+dodgeball+as+an+unsuitable+activity+for+students%2e+They+seem+to+be+pinning+their+argument+on+a+position+that+the+powerful+players+are+permitted+to+dominate+or+intimidate+the+weak+players%2e+Others+say+it+fosters+aggressiveness%2e+There+are+others+who+are+against+competition+for+children%2e%0a%0aWe+can+only+guess+what+the+next+hot+button+might+be%2e+%2e+%2e+the+cannonball+off+of+the+low+and+high+dive%21+Kickball%21%0a%0aMy+position+is+that+dodgeball+is+OK%2e+As+a+former+grade+1%2d8+physical+education+teacher%2c+I+used+many+variations+of+the+game+and+the+kids+loved+them%2e+I+even+used+it+as+a+change+of+pace+activity+in+college+fitness+classes%2e+All+students+seem+to+play+it+with+the+kind+of+enthusiasm+that+classroom+teachers+cannot+begin+to+generate%2e+For+the+nay%2dsayers%2c+I+should+mention+that%2c+in+both+situations%2c+we+had+rules+in+place+that+addressed+safety+issues%2e%0a%0aIn+one+newspaper+interview%2c+I+called+the+dodgeball+debate+yet+another+possible+politically+correct+issue%2e+Could+it+be+that+the+nay%2dsayers+are+trying+to+extend+the+de%2dmaculinization+of+boys+to+this+activity%2e+They+have+been+trying+to+do+this+with+math%2c+science+and+the+computer%2e+In+doing+this%2c+these+people+seem+to+want+boys+to+be+something+other+than+what+many+of+them+are+naturally+%2d+active%2c+physical%2c+impatient+and+inquisitive%2e+One+wonders+where+the+natural+tendencies+of+boys+will+surface+if+we+attempt+to+suppress+their+basic+instincts+in+one+phase+of+their+life+after+another%2e%0a%0aPerhaps+we+have+now+introduced+dodgeball+into+the+correctness+%28PC%29+arena%2e+If+this+is+so%2c+then%2c+as+a+local+long+time+observer+noted%2c+political+issues+are+not+burdened+by+accuracy+or+truth%2e+As+we+should+know+by+now%2c+political+matters+need+not+even+follow+the+rules+that+greedy+capitalist+must+follow+in+advertising%2e+That+is%2c+politicians+are+not+required+to+be+accurate%2c+truthful+or+honest%2e+In+political+matters%2c+the+bottom+line+is+money+and+votes%2e%0a%0aI+hope+this+does+not+occur+but+this+silly+dodgeball+debate+may+metastasize+in+to+what+has+been+experienced+with+anti%2dUSAism%2c+anti%2dcapitalism%2c+global+warming%2c+religion+and+education%2c+correct+speech%2c+guns%2c+SUV%92s%2c+energy+and+environmentalism%2c+Boy+Scouts%2c+butterfly+ballots%2c+and+cell+phones%2e+In+these+political+debates%2c+each+side+has+their+experts+and+proponents%2e+The+ultimate+winners%2c+if+any+surface%2c+may+be+the+side+with+the+most+dominant+political+clout%2e+Truth%2c+in+all+likelihood%2c+will+not+be+the+determining+factor+when+the+dust+settles%2e%0a%0aIn+my+view%2c+this+silly+debate+over+dodgeball+is+smothering+more+important+issues%2e+For+instance%2c+physical+education+is+losing+ground+as+a+valid+curriculum+area%2e+In+fact%2c+these+throw+out+the+ball+PE+programs%2c+what+I+call+%26quot%3bFizz+Ed%2c%26quot%3b+are+professionally+disgraceful%2e+Teachers+who+conduct+programs+in+this+manner+are+just+flat+out+negligent%2e+They+should+either+teach+or+be+dismissed%2e+In+contrast+to+what+seems+to+be+developing+with+dodgeball%2c+I+have+seen+no+media+barrage+against+Fizz+Ed%2e%0a%0aOn+a+broad+scale%2c+elementary+school+through+high+school+physical+education+needs+an+intensive+promotional+boost+from+the+top+down%2e+It+requires+the+attention+and+expertise+of+certified+physical+education+teachers+comparable+to+what+exists+in+art+and+music%2e+Otherwise%2c+I+believe+they+can+eventually+kiss+P%2eE%2e+good%2dbye%2e+Classroom+teachers+who+take+their+kids+outside+for+recess+and+kickball+%28and+dodgeball%29%2c+not+to+mention+Fizz+Ed%2c+address+no+standard+learning+objectives%2e+No+media+barrage+here%2e%0a%0aLocally%2c+teachers+have+told+me+about+the+scorn+they+face+when+they+take+their+students+outside+on+less+than+ideal+weather+days%2e+Students+have+this+one+figured+out%2e+If+the+kids+are+exposed+to+anything+less+than+chamber+of+commerce+weather%2c+they+go+whining+to+their+parents%2e+Parents+then+hit+the+principal%92s+office%2e+The+meek+leaders+give+in+to+a+single+parent+and+drop+their+load+on+the+teacher+for+how+it+disturbs+the+comfort+level+of+these+fragile+students%2e+There+is+no+media+barrage+here%2e%0a%0aIn+a+related+matter%2c+I+have+seen+the+media+make+a+public+revelation+out+of+unfortunate+events+that+are+linked+to+heat+problems%2e+This+issue+can+usually+be+traced+to+teachers+and+administrators+who+did+not+learned+how+to+operate+in+hot+and+humid+weather+conditions%2e+The+solution+for+working+in+heat+can+be+addressed+by+any+football+or+tennis+coach%2e%0a%0aGone+are+the+concerns+over+running+in+the+hall%2c+spit+wads%2c+gum+chewing+and+talking+in+study+hall%2e+Now%2c+we+have+the+well+chronicled+obstacles+to+an+informed+electorate+revolving+around+people+in+our+schools+who%3a%0a%0a+%2d+cannot+read+well+or+cannot+read+at+all%0a+%2d+cannot+write+complete+sentences%0a+%2d+cannot+spell+or+use+a+spell+checker%0a+%2d+resist+computers+as+they+would+a+foreign+language%0a+%2d+do+not+know+how+to+solve+percentage+problems%0a+%2d+have+little+knowledge+of+US+or+global+geography%0a+%2d+choke+when+testing+is+mentioned%0a+%2d+dress+inappropriately+for+school+activities%0a+%2d+have+sexual+encounters+with+students%0a%0aPlease+understand+that+the+above+problems+are+those+of+properly+certified+teachers+and+administrators%2c+not+students%2e%0a%0aOn+the+student+side%2c+we+can+add+to+the+previous+list+many+other+issues+such+as%3a+inattentiveness%2c+sleeping+in+class%2c+physical+and+verbal+intimidation%2c+fights%2c+extortion%2c+drug+dealing%2c+alcoholism%2c+hangovers%2c+and+assaults+on+teachers+and+administrators%2e+In+addition+to+finger+guns%2c+butter+knives+first+grade+kissing+attacks%2c+we+can+add+sexual+encounters+among+students+during+school+hours%2e+With+parents+standing+up+for+their+kids+against+the+schools%2c+is+it+any+wonder+that+student+performance+is+called+into+question%2e+Where+is+the+media+barrage%2e%0a%0aBut+wait%2e+There+is+more%2e+Our+state+uses+a+competency+test+at+grades+3%2c+5+and+8%2e+In+the+past%2c+45+per+cent+was+considered+a+passing+grade%2e+Yes%2e+45+per+cent%2e+There+are+very+few+places+in+the+job+world+where+45+per+cent+would+be+considered+acceptable+performance%2e%0a%0aThis+year%2c+the+test+was+made+more+difficult%2e+So%2c+25+per+cent+became+the+passing+score+on+the+math+portion+of+the+test+or+perhaps+it+was+the+entire+test%2e+Incidentally%2c+I+understand+that+this+is+a+four%2ditem+multiple+choice+test%2e+If+that+is+correct%2c+then+it+is+possible+for+students+to+score+around+25+per+cent+by+guessing%2e+What+kind+of+performance+standard+is+that%21%0a%0aAn+NC+community+college+administrator+revealed+this+stunning+fact+to+me+in+a+frank+conversation+over+breakfast%2e+About+33+per+cent+of+the+students+in+their+nursing+program+wash+out+because+they+cannot+pass+their+college+math+requirement%2e+Keep+in+mind+that+this+occurs+after+passing+high+school+math+or+taking+remedial+math+in+college%2c+thus+meeting+the+math+requirement+at+the+college%2e+Students+also+take+a+course+that+covers+the+math+on+this+gatekeeper+test%2e+These+students%2c+a+majority+of+whom+are+female%2c+can+take+the+test+three+times%2e+A+33+per+cent+failure+rate+in+a+costly+instructional+area+is%2c+well+%2e+%2e+%2e+expensive+education%2e%0a%0aOnce+again%2c+when+these+educational+issues+are+examined%2c+it+is+difficult+to+rationalize+how+this+silly+dodgeball+debate+can+dominate+these+vital+issues%2e+It+just+does+not+make+sense+when+the+integrity+of+education+is+under+assault+from+all+sides%2e%0a%0aAs+with+some+of+our+other+politically+charged+issues%2c+I+foresee+the+silly+dodgeball+debate+as+becoming+just+another+mini%2dmedia+barrage+that+smothers+serious+educational+problems%2e+Unfortunately%2c+dodgeball+appears+to+be+one+of+those+issues+that+moves+the+media%2c+brings+out+nay%2dsayers%2c+and+sells+papers%2e+If+it+did+not+sell%2c+the+media+would+not+do+it%2e%0a%0aIn+case+it+has+not+stuck+you+yet%2c+newspapers+are+profit+making+corporations%2c+and+sales+is+their+bottom+line%2e+If+it+sells+and+it+is+easy%2c+it+works+for+the+media%2e+That+is+what+sales+is+all+about%2e+Dodgeball+sells%2e+Education+does+not+sell%2e+It+is+also+not+easy+to+change+but+change+is+what+is+important%2e+Now+about+kickball+%2e+%2e+%2e%0a%0aNAYSInote%3a+Jack+Hutslar%2c+the+top+dog+at+www%2eNAYSI%2ecom%2c+is+a+former+grade+1%2d8+and+college+physical+education+teacher+and+coach%2e+He+founded+the+North+American+Youth+Sport+Institute+in+1979+to+provide+in%2dservice+education+to+coaches+%28youth+and+school%29%2c+teachers%2c+parents+and+program+leaders%2e+He+has+written+manuals+and+other+publication+for+several+youth+sport+organizations%2e+Hutslar+has+become+identified+by+the+media+as+a+resource+and+advocate+for+dodgeball+in+the+silly+dodgeball+debate%2e%0a%0aFor+the+first+article+I+wrote+in+respo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194 By+Greg+Burd+%0a%0aI+love+this+stuff%21++Dr%2e+Steve+Jefferies%2c+although+he+over+uses+an+emotional+plea+to+discredit+dodgeball%2c+he+seems+very+informed%2e++The+question+on+the+table+now+seems+to+be+if+the+benefits+of+dodgeball+are+more+or+less+than+the+negatives+of+the+game%2e++The+benefits+include+the+practice+of+throwing%2c+catching%2c+dodging%2c+and+fleeing%2e%0a%0aI+have+yet+to+see+a+unit+or+even+one+game+that+has+not+revealed+low+skilled+participants+and+pleased+100%25+of+the+students+in+the+class%2e++I+have+seen+modifications+to+dodgeball+that+do+in+fact+provide+for+maximum+participation+and+maximum+success+for+all+students%2e++With+the+type+of+balls+or+soft+implements+used+today%2c+safety+is+hardly+more+of+an+issue+than+any+other+open+skilled+sports+that+involve+an+element+of+chaos%2e++I+have+read+all+of+the+previous+arguments+pro+and+con+dodgeball%2e++It+is+my+understanding+that+an+occasional+game+of+modified+dodgeball+does+not+harm+even+a+low+skilled+individual+enough+to+out%2dweigh+the+benefits%2e%0a%0aMy+bone+to+pick+with+dodgeball+and+its+advocates+then%2c+is+concerning+ALTPE+%28academic+learning+time+in+physical+education%29%2e++I+do+not+know+the+answer+to+the+question+I+will+pose+but+I+suspect+that+I+know+the+answer+from+my+own+professional+observations%2e++Compared+to+other+activities+that+would+promote+the+same+skills+as+dodgeball%2c+how+much+actual+activity+time+does+the+average+student+get+in+a+game+of+dodgeball%3f++That+is%2c+how+many+trials+does+the+students+receive+of+throwing%2c+catching%2c+dodging%2c+and+fleeing+in+a+15+minute+game+of+dodgeball%3f++I+suspect+that+if+a+wide+spread+systematic+analysis+of+ALTPE+in+dodgeball+was+taken+we+would+find+very+little+support+for+the+educational+value+of+dodgeball%2e%0a%0aIn+conclusion%2c+although+dodgeball+does+have+skill+based+values+they+may+be+few+and+far+between%2e++For+this+reason+I+would+hope+that+physical+educators+would+at+the+very+least+reserve+dodgeball+for+rare+occasions+rather+than+a+staple%2e++Fun+is+extremely+important+for+the+students+but+not+at+the+expense+of+forfeiting+our+duties+to+teach+skilled+human+movement%2e%0a%0aP%2eS%2e+thank+you+J%2e+Hutslar+for+pointing+out+the+how+silly+this+debate+is+in+comparison
195 I+can+remember+playing+dodgeball+when+I+was+in+elementary+school+and+loving+it%2e++I+also+remember+other+students+sitting+out+much+of+the+time+and+not+enjoying+the+game+as+much+as+I+did%2e++Gone+are+the+days+of+red+playground+balls+drilling+some+poor+overweight+girl+in+the+face%2c+times+have+changed+%28obviously+for+the+better%29%2e++After+reading+many+of+the+other+comments+listed+on+the+forum+most+of+my+opinions+have+stayed+the+same%2e++I+have+listened+to+all+of+the+arguments+for+and+against%2c+and+while+I+agree+that+the+%26quot%3bold%26quot%3b+style+of+dodgeball+should+be+%26quot%3boutlawed%26quot%3b+I+simply+do+not+agree+with+people+saying+all+forms+of+the+game+are+bad%2e%0a++++The+argument+of+human+targets+is+true+in+many+other+activities+found+in+most+PE+programs%3a+football%2c+softball%2c+badminton%2c+tag+etc%2e++If+safety+rules+are+put+in+effect+and+rules+are+set%2c+students+have+no+more+chance+of+being+injured+then+during+most+any+other+activity%2e+The+argument+that+only+the+best+athletes+win+is+just+not+true%2e++There+are+so+many+variations+to+the+game+now+that+give+the+slower+or+weaker+the+same+advantage+as+anyone%2e+I+have+just+as+many+boys+as+girls%2c+or+athletic+or+non%2dathletic+children+beg+to+play+it+on+a+regular+basis%2e++While+they+know+this+is+not+an+activity+we+do+often%2c+it+is+enjoyed+by+most+all+when+we+do%2e++While+you+may+say+MOST+all+is+not+good+enough+I+would+disagree%2e++While+most+students+enjoy+most+all+of+my+activities+I+have+yet+to+find+one+that+everyone+likes+and+plays+hard+every+time%2e++If+you+have+one+let+me+know%21+++%0a+++While+I+agree+that+dodgeball+in+its+%26quot%3bold%26quot%3b+form+is+not+developmentally+appropriate%2c+that+now+can+be+changed+as+well%2e++By+doing+lead+up+activities+that+evolve+throwing+and+catching+you+can+justify+a+form+of+dodgeball+as+a+part+of+that+unit%2e+%0a+++While+I+would+never+dream+of+playing+any+form+of+dodgeball+for+entire+unit%2c+I+still+see+very+little+arguments+to+persuade+me+to+stop+playing+it+the+4%2d5+time+a+year+I+play+now%2e+I+cannot+see+rational+behind+not+letting+children+ever+play+a+game+that+they+love%2e
196 I+have+reviewed+the+articles+recommended+by+Dr%2e+Jeffris+and+read+the+following+responses+to+this+debate%2e++The+first+thought+that+comes+to+mind+is+that+most+games+of+a+dodgeball%2dlike+fashion+have+changed+since+many+of+the+responders+last+played%2e+In+fact%2c+I+entered+college+assuming+that+we+were+not+going+to+be+taught+how+to+use+dodgeball+as+an+activity+to+practice+throwing%2c+catching+and+dodging%2e++To+my+surprise+Dr%2e+LeAnn+Martin+%2cprofessor+of+pedagogy+at+WWU%2c+spent+a+short+while+showing+the+new+way+dodgeball+should+be+played%2c+if+played+at+all%2e++She+said+there+must+be+at+least+one+foam+ball+per+student+so+that+each+child+has+maximum+trials%2c+and+no+elimination+so+students+have+maximum+success+as+well%2e++The+game+became+a+fun%2c+safe%2c+and+high%2denergy+activity+for+us%2e++More+importantly%2c+one+could+not+single+out+the+best+baseball+player+nor+the+weakest+thrower+because+of+the+chaos+of+foam+balls+flying+every+which+way%2e++The+strongest+players+got+hit+just+as+much+as+the+weaker+players+%28and+come+on%2c+foam+balls+do+not+hurt%21%29+and+there+were+no+winners+and+losers%2e++My+point+is%2c+the+game+has+changed+and+can+be+played+to+teach+throwing%2c+catching%2c+and+dodging+skills+in+a+friendly%2c+somewhat+competitive%2dbut+safe+environment%2e%0a%09I+do+agree+dodgeball+is+overdone+in+PE+and+that+there+are+tons+of+creative+ways+to+teach+children+throwing%2c+catching%2c+and+dodging%2e++The+only+thing+that+makes+me+somewhat+fearful+of+allowing+students+to+play+it+in+the+classroom+is+the+adults+who+have+become+afraid+that+%26quot%3bhuman+targeting%26quot%3b+could+cause+children+to+be+more+aggressive+and+violent%2e++I+am+concerned+that+there+may+be+possible+downfalls+to+%26quot%3bhuman+targeting%26quot%3b+but+I+would+like+to+see+some+scientific+research+on+the+effect+of+non%2delimination+dodgeball+on+school%2daged+children+%28are+their+any+good+ones+out+there%3f%29%2e
197 Every+once+in+a+great+while+my+physical+education+curriculum+is+disrupted+with+an+occasional+field+trip%2c+early%2drelease+assembly+schedule%2c+snow+day%2c+pulled+fire+alarm%2c+or+the+day+after+Halloween%2e++Even+teaching+to+elementary+students+two+days+before+Christmas+break+can+have+it%27s+%26quot%3bdisadvantages%26quot%3b+to+say+the+least%2e++I+may+then+resort+to+an+activity+that+1%29+demonstrates+physical+skills+%28locomotor%2c+non%2dlocomotor%2c+and+manipulative%29+that+contribute+to+movement+proficiency%2c+2%29+performs+fundamental+movement+combinations+%28run%2fcatch%3b+catch%2fthrow%3b+dribble%2fpass%29%2c+3%29+applies+movement+principles+and+skills+to+complex+activities+that+enhance+a+physically+active+life%2c+4%29+follows+rules+and+safety+procedures+while+participating+in+a+variety+of+physical+activities%2c+5%29+demonstrates+knowledge+of+rules+and+safety+procedures+while+participating+cooperatively+in+individual%2c+dual%2fteam%2c+and+leisure+activities%2c+6%29+incorporates+safety+procedures+into+activities+and+individual+fitness+plans+for+leisure+and+employment%2c+7%29+develop+a+fitness+vocabulary+and+awareness+of+fitness+concepts+while+participating+regularly+in+a+variety+of+physical+activities+for+fitness+and+play%2c+8%29+measure+physical+fitness%2c+set+fitness+and+activity+goals%2c+and+explore+a+variety+of+activities+to+maintain+healthy+levels+of+cardiorespiratory+fitness%2c+muscular%2dendurance%2dflexibility%2c+and+body+composition%2c+9%29+all+students+will+have+fun%2e++This+activity+is%85are+you+ready%85Medic+Dodgeball%21++%0aMy+lesson+plan+will+detail+that+my+objectives+with+this+all%2dparticipation+game+meet+the+following+Washington+Assessment+for+Student+Learning+Essential+Academic+Learning+Requirements+for+Health+and+Fitness+February+2001%3a+%0a%0a+1%2e+The+student+acquires+the+knowledge+and+skills+necessary+to+maintain+an+active+life%3a+Movement%2c+physical+fitness%2e%0aTo+meet+this+standard%2c+the+student+will%3a%0a1%2e1%09Develop+fundamental+and+complex+movement+skills%2c+as+developmentally+appropriate%2e%0a1%2e2%09Safely+participates+in+a+variety+of+developmentally+physical+activities%2e%0a1%2e3%09Understand+the+concepts+of+health%2drelated+fitness+and+develop+and+monitor+progress+on+personal+fitness+goals%2e%0a%0aFor+safety+I+use+those+5%26quot%3b+foam+balls%2c+more+than+I+have+students%0aFor+checking+for+understanding+I+stop+the+class+to%3a+point+out+the+great+catchers+and+throwers+and+dodgers+and+strategists+as+well+as+those+who+are+the+medics+for+their+hard+working+pulling+the+students+to+the+hospital+wall+to+continue+back+in+the+game%2e++I+will+discuss%2c+in+brief%2c+any+improvements+that+can+be+made+catchers+and+throwers+and+dodgers+and+strategists+as+well+as+those+who+are+the+medics%2e++I+then+change+the+medics+with+any+of+those+who+volunteer+%28keeping+gender+equality+in+mind%29%2e++I+then+resume+the+game%2e%0a%0aI+totally+disliked+my+%26quot%3bgym%26quot%3b+class+back+in+the+70%27s+where+the+curriculum+was+dodgeball+%28I+still+see+those+rubber+balls+%2d+you+know+%2d+the+small+red+ones+%2d+flying+at+me+from+all+sides+with+the+bullies+and+%26quot%3bgym%26quot%3b+teacher+smiling+and+laughing%29%2c+basketball+%28picked+last%21%29+and+flag+football%2c+dodgeball%2c+basketball+%28still+picked+last%21%29+and+then+a+change+of+pace+with+flag+football+OUTSIDE%21++In+fact%2c+I+HATED+PE%2e++I+teach+physical+education+to+change+not+only+physical+education+of+old%2c+but+to+give+those+unfit+overweight+no%2dconfident+children+a+chance+in+having+a+rewarding+physical+education+experience%2e%0a%0aWith+the+above+considered+am+I+a+bad+physical+education+teacher%3f++Let+me+know+%2d+please%21%0a++%0aDan+Persse%2c+A%2eT%2e%2cC++C%2eS%2eC%2eS%2e%0aBlaine+Elementary+School%0aCentral+Washington+Graduate+Student+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++%0a%0aPS%2e+You+can+access+the+above+WASL+EALRS+in+their+entirety+at%3a+%28%5ctopurl%7bhttp%3a%2f%2fwww%2ek12%2ewa%2eus%2freform%2fEALR%2fstandards%2fhealthfitns%2easp%2chttp%3a%2f%2fwww%2ek12%2ewa%2eus%2freform%2fEALR%2fstandards%2fhealthfitns%2easp%7d%29
200 The+following+posting+was+made+to+the+NASPE+Listserv+by+Dr%2e+George+Graham+of+Virginia+Tech%2e+George+was+of+course+the+initiator+of+the+PE+Central+web+site%2c+a+popular+conference+presenter%2c+and+is+the+author+of+many+publications+on+children%27s+physical+education%2e+Because+the+posting+relates+to+the+dodgeball+we+wanted+to+share+it+on+the+forum%0a%2a%2a%2a%0a%0a%5cb%7bGolden+Opportunity%7d%0a%0aIt+seems+to+me+that++recent+focus+of+the+media+on+dodgeball+is+a+great%0aopportunity+for+those+of+us+in+our+profession+to+clearly+articulate+the%0areasons+why+physical+education+belong+in+schools%2e++While+it+is+not+easy+to%0ado%2c+I+think+as+often+as+possible+when+we+are+contacted+by+the+media+%28or%0aparents%2c+administrators%29+we+need+to+steer+the+conversation+away+from%0adodgeball+per+se+%28admitting+that+it+is+controversial+within+our+profession%29%0atowards+the+overall+purpose+of+p%2ee%2e+While+this+healthy+debate+about%0adodgeball+will+continue+for+years%2c+I+see+few%2c+if+any%2c+of+the+leaders+in+our%0aprofession+arguing+that+dodgeball+contributes+to++ALL+%26quot%3byoungsters+becoming%0aphysically+active+and+healthy+for+a+lifetime%2e%26quot%3b++As+we+are+learning+%28if+we%0adidn%27t+already+know+it%29+the+media+is+adept+at+taking+events+totally+out+of%0acontext+and+construing+the+event+to+make+their+point%2e++As+a+profession+we%0acannot+guarantee+that+our+physical+education+programs+will+lead+all%0ayoungsters+to+a+lifetime+of+physical+activity%2e+We+are+100%25+certain%2c%0ahowever%2c++that+the+p%2ee%2e+of+the+past+%28e%2eg%2e+dodgeball%3b+kickball%3b+Duck%2c+Duck%0aGoose%3b+basketball%3b+softball%2c+etc%2e%29+has+lead+to+a+plethora+of+adults+who+are%0aoverweight+and+physically+inactive%2e+How+can+one+argue+in+good+conscience%0afor+continuing+such+programs%3f+While+we+are+not+sure+of+the+solution+%28nor%0aare+math%2c+or+reading%2c+or+science+professionals%29+we+know+what+does+not%0awork%2d%2dand+those+of+us+who+are+searching+for+alternatives+need+to+be+proud%0aof+our+efforts+and+continue+our+mutual+quests+to+find+a+better+way+for+all%0akids%2d%2dnot+only+those+who+are+dodgeball+experts%2e+The+current+dodgeball%0adebate+provides+a+golden+opportunity+to+make+this+point+to+all+who+are%0awilling+to+listen%2d%2d%2dand+these+days+we+have+the+stage+so+lets+take+advantage%0aof+it%2e%0a%0aGeorge+Graham%0aVirginia+Tech
201 Wow%2e%2e%2ewhat+a+debate%2e+I+haven%27t+seen+an+issue+this+controversial+come+through+in+a+long+time%2e++I+teach+at+the+jr%2e+high+level+and+the+first+thing+I+want+to+say+is%2e%2e%2eyou%27re+missing+the+point%2e%2e%2ePlaying+dodgeball+is+one+of+the+few+activities+where+the+teacher+can+play+along+and+get+some+needed+frustration+out+on+some+of+those+teenagers+that+are+always+giving+us+trouble+%3a%29++I%27m+just+kidding%2e%2e%2eBut+seriously%2e%2e%2e%0aI+have+played+Dodgeball+in+my+first+two+years+of+teaching+despite+knowing+that+it+wasn%27t+the+best+activity+for+all%2e++But+I+haven%27t+played+it+often+and+there+are+definite+rules+so+that+injury+is+not+an+issue%2e++Some+kids+DO+love+it%21++Some+kids+DO+hate+it%2c+and+they+usually+aren%27t+the+vocal+ones%2e++Maybe+that%27s+their+fault%2c+maybe+it%27s+mine%2e++But%2e%2e%2eafter+reading+through+the+debate+and+discussing+it+with+my+fellow+grad+students%2c+I+think+I%27ve+come+to+the+conclusion+that+I+don%27t+NEED+to+play+this+game%2e++I+don%27t+NEED+to+promote+kids+feeling+bad+about+what+they+are+doing+in+physical+education+class%2e++I+don%27t+NEED+to+contribute+to+violence+and+aggression%2c+in+case+this+is+what+is+a+result%2e++Bottom+line%2e%2e%2eI+don%27t+NEED+this+activity+and+so+why+should+I+play+it%3f++There+are+other+games+that+kids+love%2e++There+are+other+games+that+are+similar+where+we+don%27t+have+to+throw+a+ball+at+each+other%2e++There+are+other+games+and+activities+that+I+can+create+that+kids+will+fall+in+love+with+and+my+legend+will+live+on+forever%3a%29%0aI%27m+moving+on%2e%2e%2e%2e
204 Thanks+to+Jim+Bogden%2c+MPH%0aSenior+Project+Associate%0aNational+Association+of+State+Boards+of+Education+%28NASBE%29+for+sharing+this+information%3a%0a%2a%2a%2a%2a%0aIn+the+spirit+of+%22know+thine+enemy%2c%22+the+current+issue+of+the+conservative+Weekly+Standard+contains+a+cover+story+of+interest+to+the+physical+and+health+education+community+at%3a%0a%5ctopurl%7bhttp%3a%2f%2fwww%2eweeklystandard%2ecom%2fmagazine%2fmag_6_39_01%2flabash_feat_6_39_01%2easp%2chttp%3a%2f%2fwww%2eweeklystandard%2ecom%2fmagazine%2fmag_6_39_01%2flabash_feat_6_39_01%2easp%7d%0a%0aFollowing+are+the+first+few+paragraphs%3a%0a%0aJune+25%2c+2001%2fVol+6%2c+Number+39%0aWhat%27s+Wrong+with+Dodgeball%3f%0aThe+New+Phys+Ed+and+the+Wussification+of+America%0aBy+Matt+Labash%0a%0aOf+all+the+perplexing+issues+that+have+been+brought+to+our+attention+by+the+Journal+of+Physical+Education%2c+Recreation+%26+Dance+%2d+besides+the+fact+that+there+is+such+a+thing+as+the+Journal+of+Physical+Education%2c+Recreation+%26+Dance+%2d+none+has+been+so+puzzling+as+the+question+JOPERD+chewed+over+in+its+April+symposium%3a+%22Is+there+a+place+for+dodgeball+in+physical+education%3f%22%0a%0aIn+most+adult+memories+of+P%2eE%2e%2c+dodgeball+at+its+best+represented+a+test+of+skill+and+derring%2ddo%2c+requiring+speed%2c+agility%2c+and+accurate+throwing+in+the+face+of+barely+controlled+chaos%2e+At+its+worst%2c+it+meant+a+red+rubber+ball+fired+into+your+goo%2dloos+or+glasses%2c+a+minor+indignity+filed+away+with+all+the+other+petty+humiliations+of+growing+up%2c+like+forgetting+your+homework%2c+or+being+forced+to+wear+those+itchy+Christmas+corduroys+that+Aunt+Bea+sent+along+with+the+pecan+roll%2e%0a%0aBut+the+debate+has+rocked+the+community+of+dodgeball+scholars+right+to+its+foundations%2e+While+plenty+of+educators+still+believe+dodgeball+is+a+harmless+exhibition+of+physical+prowess+and+cunning%2c+not+to+mention+fun%2c+the+sport%27s+naysayers+have+banded+together+with+the+moral+fervor+of+the+Abolitionists%2e+Already%2c+their+movement+has+succeeded+in+having+dodgeball+banned+in+school+districts+in+at+least+eight+states%2e%2e%2e%2e%2e%0a%0aTo+read+the+complete+article+go+to%3a%0a%5ctopurl%7bhttp%3a%2f%2fwww%2eweeklystandard%2ecom%2fmagazine%2fmag_6_39_01%2flabash_feat_6_39_01%2easp%2chttp%3a%2f%2fwww%2eweeklystandard%2ecom%2fmagazine%2fmag_6_39_01%2flabash_feat_6_39_01%2easp%7d
224 I+would+love+to+let+my+PE+students+play+dodgeball+as+a+choice+activity%2c+but+the+potential+for+injury+keeps+me+from+it%2e++I+do+use+it+as+an+occasional+monotony%2dbreaking+activity+for+my+wrestling+team%2e++I+have+never+had+a+complaint+in+such+a+setting%2e
368 The+continual+debate+over+whether+or+not+to+play+dodge+ball+at+the+elementary+level+is+of+great+interest+to+me%2e++As+a+senior+in+the+Kent+State+University+Physical+Education+Program+I+feel+that+dodge+ball+has+no+place+within+physical+education%2e++After+reading+some+of+the+postings%2c+both+for+and+against%2c+I+realized+that+the+issue+of+dodge+ball+is+being+taken+very+personally+among+physical+educators%2e++%0aThe+physical+education+classroom+should+be+a+place+that+encompasses+all+children%2c+as+well+as+all+levels+of+abilities%2e++The+%93game%94+of+dodge+ball+is+not+encompassing+for+all+children%2c+but+rather+those+children+who+are+at+a+higher+skill+level%2e++Among+the+skills+involved+in+dodge+ball+are+throwing%2c+quick+reflexes%2c+and+accuracy%2e++These+three+criteria+are+often+not+congruent+with+elementary+physical+education+students%2e++Due+to+this%2c+the+majority+of+elementary+physical+education+students+will+fail+to+achieve+the+%93many+benefits%94+that+are+so+often+discussed+by+pro%2ddodge+ball+advocates%2e++%0aIn+addition+to+the+physical+damage+that+can+occur+due+to+dodge+ball+there+is+also+the+possibility+for+emotional+harm%2e++While+I+do+not+believe+teachers+can+completely+prevent+emotional+stress+in+our+students%2c+I+do+believe+it+is+our+job+to+minimize+the+negative+that+stress+within+our+classroom%2e+%0aIt+is+my+opinion+that+dodge+ball+lacks+the+positive+aspects+that+should+be+present+in+a+physical+education+environment%2e
371 I+am+neutral+on+the+dodge+ball+debate%2e++As+a+physical+education+major+at+Kent+State+University%2c+we+are+taught+to+never+play+dodge+ball%2e++However%2c+as+I+go+to+the+schools+to+observe%2c+I+have+found+that+all+of+my+mentors+play+dodge+ball+or+a+variation+of+it+claiming+that+%26quot%3bAll+the+students+love+it%2e%2e%2e%26quot%3b++I+agree+with+this+fact%2c+however%2c++I+also+take+into+consideration+the+few+that+may+not+like+it%2e++I+realize+one+of+the+major+factors+regarding+dodge+ball+is+that+students+are+forced+to+sit+out+when+hit%2c+which+causes+a+lot+of+inactivity%2e++What+if+we+made+this+more+of+a+team+oriented+activity%3f+Such+as+making+it+groups+v%2e+groups+instead+of+one+team+v%2e+another+team%3f+This+may+help+with+the+inactivity+problem%2e+If+anyone+has+any+suggested+variations%2c+please+let+me+know%2e
388 What+about+football%3f++Aren%27t+the+kids+human+targets+too%3f++You%27re+intentionally+trying+to+hurt+someone+to+score%2e++And+for+that+matter%2c+what+about+lacrosse+or+hockey+where+checking+a+fundamental+part+of+the+game%3f++We+might+as+well+just+dance+for+fun%2c+with+no+contact%28someone+might+pass+germs%29%2e
444 Let%27+play+dodgeball%2e
448 Have+choice+involved+with+the+dodge+ball+activity%2e++Team+up+with+your+teaching+partner+and+create+stations%2e++The+students+who+want+to+play+the+dodge+ball+activity+could+be+in+one+station+and+other+choices+could+be+available+for+the+students+who+don%27t+like+dodge+ball%2e
449 I+play+dodgeball+on+a+very+limited+bases%2c+and+it+is+nothing+like+the+dodgeball+of+old%2e++No+one+is+elimated%2c+everyone+is+active%2c+and+everyone+is+having+fun%21%21
450 Teaching+crazy+middle+school+students%2c+I+have+learned+fast+and+HARD+%28to+the+head%21%21%21%29+that+there+is+a+time+and+place+to+stop+playing+dodgeball%2e+It+is+when+students+are+out+to+kill%2c+so+to+speak%2c+and+the+game+is+no+longer+fun+because+you%27re+worried+about+getting+your+head+knocked+off%2e+Just+because+the+balls+are+foam%2c+doesn%27t+mean+they+don%27t+hurt+others+when+thrown+forcefully%21
453 I+think+Dodgeball+is+a+valuable+resouce+in+school%2e+It+allows+the+students+to+practice+throwing+and+catching+techniques%2c+as+well+as+lateral+movements%2e
461 I+teach+elementary+p%2ee%2e++For+some+kids%2c+it%27a+popular+game+by+demand%2e++I+like+all+of+the+skills+of+throwing%2c+catching%2c+quick+reflexes+of+act+and+react%2c+and+accuracy%2e++But+I+have+to+agree+with+Steve+Jefferies%2c+I+don%27t+see+it+fit+and+fair+for+those+overweight%2c+slow+moving%2c+low+skilled+children%2e+It%27s+definitely+a+mixed+debate%21+I+don%27t+believe+I%27d+like+to+partake+in+that+dodgeball+game+vs%2e+the+CWU+baseball+time%21++I+believe+that+experience+would+shed+some+new+light+on+the+topic%21%0a%0aMy+suggestion+for+those+dodgeball+bound%2c+could+be+to++play+the+dodgeball+game+but+bring+in+objects+as+the+target+focus%2e++For+example%2c+in+the+game+PIN+DOWN%2c+the+goal+is+for+the+team+to+knock+the+opponent%27s+2+standing+pins+down+to+win+the+game%2e++As+for+elimination%2c+have+only+up+to+2%2d3+people+out%2e++When+those+eliminated+see+their+teammate+catch+the+ball%2c+they+all+come+back+in%2e
462 When+I+play+dodgeball%2c+we+have+adapted+it+to+be+on+scooters+with+large%2c+softer+nerf+or+gator+balls%2e++All+competitors+have+to+stay+on+the+scooter+and+throw+the+ball+with+two+hands%2e++If+you+get+hit%2c+you+go+to+the+end+of+the+line+and+do+crunches%2c+wall+pushups%2c+something%2e++The+first+person+in+line+then+takes+your+scooter%2e++There+are+not+teams%2c+and+we+have+enough+scooters+so+that+only+about+7%2d10+people+are+in+line+at+a+time%2e++Everyone+is+active+%28check+your+pulse+at+the+end+of+a+good+game+of+everlasting+ball+tag%2c+as+I+call+it%29%2c+no+bruises+or+black+eyes%2e
463 I+haven%27t+had+the+opportunity+of+teaching+dodgeball+or+any+other+activity+yet%2c+so+I+can%27t+tell+you+about+that%2e++I+do+know+when+I+was+in+school+it+was+still+allowed+and+I+loved+it%2e++That+is+until+I+broke+my+nose+from+a+shot+in+the+face%2e++I+can+see+the+trouble+letting+the+kids+play%2c+from+a+safety+view%2e+But+the+activity+involved+movement+and+hand%2feye+coordination%2c+throwing%2c+catching%2e++There+are+a+lot+of+good+points+to+the+game%2e++I+guess+I%27m+neutral%2e
484 Too+much+energy+going+toward+this+debate%21++It+is+a+great+activity+and+with+foam+frisbees+%2d%2dit+is+more+of+a+tag+game+anyway%2e++They+love+it+and+throw+a+thousand+times+while+sweat+is+pouring+off+them%2e++Is+it+good+for+them%2d%2d%2d%2duhhhuhhh%21++Let+me+think+and+write+about+it%21%21
487 I+rember+a+guy+a+while+back+who+pretty+much+determined+that+life+was+the+survival+of+the+fittest%2e++I+think+his+name+was+Charles+Darwin%2e++The+idea+that+the+strong+single+out+and+pick+on+the+weak+is+not+limited+to+dodgeball%3b+it%27s+human+nature%2e++Life+is+full+of+competition%2e+The+purpose+of+education+is+to+prepare+children+for+life%2e++How+can+you+do+this+if+you+shelter+them+from+competition%3f++%0a++The+whole+debate+that+dodgeball+creates+killers+%28columbine%29+and+breeds+violence+has+no+basis%2e++Why+don%27t+you+ask+Hitler%27s+physical+educator+if+he+played+dodgeball+in+gym%3f++%0a++The+whole+underlying+purpose+of+destroying+dodgeball+is+to+eliminate+competition+from+our+schools%2e++Well+that+won%27t+prepare+kids+for+life%2e++Do+job+interviews+not+eliminate+people%3f++Life+is+survival+of+the+fittest%2e++If+anything+dodgeball+teaches+kids+to+suck+it+up+and+understand+that+there+will+always+be+people+in+life+who+will+knock+you+down+when+it+is+to+their+benefit%2e%0a+++While+I+wouldn%27t+recomend+playing+dodgeball+with+rocks+a+inflated+ball+isn%27t+going+to+kill+anybody%2e%0a++++Until+there+is+actual+proof%2c+not+just+opinions%2c+that+dodgeball+is+detrimental+to+children+I+say+PLAY+ON%21%21%21%0a%0aI+don%27t+think+if+you+asked+Ted+Bundy+why+he+did+it+he+would+say+it+was+because+he+got+hit+with+a+dodgeball+in+5th+grade%2e