Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Overregulation is More Dangerous Than Wiffle Ball

State health officials in New York created a list of "dangerous" games in an effort to keep kids safe. On that list were such childhood favorites like: Wiffle Ball, Dodge Ball, Tag, Red Rover, and Capture the Flag.

Why was this list created? Because the Department of Health wanted indoor day camps to conform to regulations required of outdoor day camps - additional measures that would keep the kids safe in case they engaged in any of these games that pose a "significant risk of injury." Really!?! From TAG!?!?

Gee, why stop there? Might as well add in Duck Duck Goose, Musical Chairs, and Red Light Green Light. DO NOT let kids jump rope, roller skate, or ride bikes, someone might get hurt. Heck, even with Hop Scotch kids can land wrong and twist an ankle...so ban that too!

What has happened to people in our country? Not too long ago, we heard about the Home Owners Association that wants to ban kids from playing outside. How are these dimwits ending up in leadership roles? We have to pay attention. We have to be vigilant. We have to call out crazy.

Thankfully, the reaction to this news story has sort of resulted in a change of heart.

A spokeswoman said the department will "continue gathering information and will formulate new safety regulations that are broader and deal more with potentially dangerous conditions than specific games".

Hmmm. Would they be brash enough to simply say kids cannot "run" at indoor day camps?

What is more dangerous than a game of Wiffle Ball? A micro-managing adult with power who administers nanny state policies. Red Rover Red Rover, send overregulation right over.

- Mary-Lynn

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