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NY State Says These Kids’ Games Pose ‘Significant Risk Of Injury’
Tag has been deemed an unsafe game by New York State Health Department.
School will be soon be out but if it’s up to the New York State Health Department, a lot of city kids might be spending their time indoors.
The New York State Health Department created a list of what they deemed “risky recreational activities” and is forcing many summer programs to ban these games unless they shell out extra funds to be recognized as an official summer camp. They say the activities listed pose a “significant risk of injury” and have been named as hazards which need to be regulated at day camps.
While proper supervision and safety concerns rank high on every parent’s list of priorities, the games that have been deemed unsafe and risky might shock a lot of city parents who grew up playing these ‘dangerous’ games.
For starters, kids can kiss wiffle ball, dodge ball, and kick ball goodbye. Horseback riding and scuba make the list and more understandably, archery. But so does freeze tag, Frisbee, steal the bacon and tug of war!
According to the NY Daily News, under the new rules, any program that offers two or more organized recreational activities – with at least one of them on the risky list – is deemed a summer camp and subject to state regulation. Health Department spokeswoman Diane Mathis said the list of risky activities was crafted with help from camp groups.
Sen. Patty Ritchie says, “It looks like Albany bureaucrats are looking for kids to just sit in a corner in a house all day and not be outside.” She also points out that the regulations could cripple small recreational programs, forcing them to pay a $200 fee to register as a summer camp and provide medical staff.
So all those city kids who attend small summer programs (and possibly cannot afford a large camp) will be not be allowed to play these so-called hazardous games, and possibly spend the day engaging in more sedentary activities. Besides the obvious impact that will come from making kids even less active in an era where childhood obesity had reached epic proportions, the banning of typical and very normal kids’ games is robbing kids of normal fun.
When I was little, that is all we did. We hung outside our house and played all those games- with barely any supervision! And we all survived… and had a lot of creative group fun and physical activity in the process. My kids have gone to summer programs that weren’t camps where they played all these games and loved it. And they always came home in one piece. Just the other day, my eight-year-old was playing Red Rover in the schoolyard (another banned game).
By becoming hyper-vigilant about safety precautions, we are raising a generation of paranoid kids that are missing a large part of childhood. Maybe if we let kids be kids, a lot of them would lose the video games, lessen the pent up aggression and actually have good old-fashioned fun.
Image: Wikipedia
UPDATE 4/20/2011 Health Dept. officials quickly scrap the list and say a new one will created. Click here for further details.
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[...] Sullivan Babble April 19, [...]
NY State moves to restrict wiffle ball, dodge ball, and kick ball | INFOTROOPS - infowars commented on Apr 19 11 at 1:19 pm[...] ignore the link….ny to ban lunches from home ….looks like Chicago is banning them as well. NY State Says These Kids’ Games Pose ‘Significant Risk Of Injury’ Now we're on a public forum and I think you want me to say that I am for revolution. Lets get this [...]
1984 is coming soon commented on Apr 19 11 at 2:00 pm[...] Danielle Sullivan Babble April 20, 2011 [...]
NY Moves to Restrict 'Risky' Wiffle Ball, Dodge Ball | Natural Society commented on Apr 20 11 at 12:20 pm[...] NY State Says These Kids' Games Pose 'Significant Risk Of Injury' | Strollerderby __________________ In Soviet Amerika, the Law violates YOU [...]
New York: Permit to play kickball, horseshoes, wiffleball, tag - INGunOwners commented on Apr 20 11 at 3:15 pm[...] babble.com Tag has been deemed an unsafe game by New York State Health Department. [...]
NY State Says These Kids’ Games Pose ‘Significant Risk Of Injury’ « CRISISBOOM commented on Apr 20 11 at 4:54 pm[...] wiffle ball, dodge ball, kick ball, freeze tag, red rover, frisbee tossing and tug of war as “risky recreational activities“. Any organization or program that allows kids to enjoy these games during the summer will [...]
WORLDLINES - June 28, 2009 commented on Apr 21 11 at 1:19 am[...] NY State Says These Kids Games Pose Significant Risk Of Injury (Babble.com) [...]
Nanny State Gone Wild | Mountain Republic commented on Apr 21 11 at 9:55 am[...] wiffle ball, dodge ball, kick ball, freeze tag, red rover, frisbee tossing and tug of war as “risky recreational activities“. Any organization or program that allows kids to enjoy these games during the summer will now be [...]
10 Examples That Should Convince Anyone That We No Longer Live In The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave — Truth2America | The truth about food storage, home protection, survival, preparation, planning and thriving during a catastrophy, martial commented on Apr 22 11 at 3:14 am[...] wiffle ball, dodge ball, kick ball, freeze tag, red rover, frisbee tossing and tug of war as “risky recreational activities“. Any organization or program that allows kids to enjoy these games during the summer will now [...]
Militant Libertarian » 10 Examples That Should Convince Anyone That We No Longer Live In The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave commented on Apr 22 11 at 3:16 am[...] wiffle ball, dodge ball, kick ball, freeze tag, red rover, frisbee tossing and tug of war as “risky recreational activities“. Any organization or program that allows kids to enjoy these games during the summer will now [...]
10 Examples We No Longer Live In Land of the Free And Home of the Brave | UN CORPORATE MEDIA commented on Apr 22 11 at 3:42 am[...] wiffle ball, dodge ball, kick ball, freeze tag, red rover, frisbee tossing and tug of war as “risky recreational activities“. Any organization or program that allows kids to enjoy these games during the summer will now [...]
News From Around The World In True Form commented on Apr 22 11 at 4:41 am[...] wiffle ball, dodge ball, kick ball, freeze tag, red rover, frisbee tossing and tug of war as “risky recreational activities“. Any organization or program that allows kids to enjoy these games during the summer will [...]
10 Examples We No Longer Live In Land of the Free And Home of the Brave | infowars blog commented on Apr 22 11 at 6:55 am[...] wiffle ball, dodge ball, kick ball, freeze tag, red rover, frisbee tossing and tug of war as “risky recreational activities“. Any organization or program that allows kids to enjoy these games during the summer will now [...]
10 Examples We No Longer Live In Land of the Free And Home of the Brave | Mountain Republic commented on Apr 22 11 at 8:41 am[...] wiffle ball, dodge ball, kick ball, freeze tag, red rover, frisbee tossing and tug of war as “risky recreational activities“. Any organization or program that allows kids to enjoy these games during the summer will now be [...]
FreeWestRadio.com » Blog Archive » 10 Examples That Should Convince Anyone That We No Longer Live In The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave commented on Apr 22 11 at 12:19 pm[...] wiffle ball, dodge ball, kick ball, freeze tag, red rover, frisbee tossing and tug of war as “risky recreational activities“. Any organization or program that allows kids to enjoy these games during the summer will [...]
10 Examples That Should Convince Anyone That We No Longer Live In The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave | Darkside Media commented on May 31 11 at 12:46 pm[...] wiffle ball, dodge ball, kick ball, freeze tag, red rover, frisbee tossing and tug of war as “risky recreational activities“. Any organization or program that allows kids to enjoy these games during the summer will [...]
You think we are in the land of the Free? | TwoEdge commented on Jun 24 11 at 8:30 pmMarge commented on Apr 19 11 at 12:18 pmI don’t disagree with the article, but you aren’t seeing the forest because of the trees. Where government is concerened, there is a “good reason” and then there is the real reason for things occurring. The real reasons are: 1) government wants a bunch of obedient, stupified, dumbed-down, zombies (whom they refer to as “citizens” rather than human beings); and 2) government wants every activity to be counted, named, listed, surveilled, and TAXED (of course–since we are supposedly in so much debt to an offshore, privately-run banking cartel); and 3) you are not permitted individuality, individual choices, individual responsibility, and individual thought in the New World Order….. so either get used to it and kiss your limited freedoms goodbye, or resist the onslaught and START FIGHTING BACK. You are in their mental matrix and you need to get out.
goddess commented on Apr 19 11 at 12:24 pmLOL, only in the USA.
Maybe they will require parents to purchase and send elliptical machines in instead?
Jessica commented on Apr 19 11 at 12:25 pmwow Seriously ??? Wiffle ball how do you get hurt w/that? I totally agree with you Danielle we grew up on these games and i can hardly remember any serious injuries from them? Kids can get injured doing many things next thing you know kids won’t even be allowed outside geez… what do they think summer programs are? It’s for the kids to get outside and play…. Sometimes i wonder what is happening in our world? It just seems more and more things that we grew up enjoying are being taken away/consider dangerous for kids these days.
Tim A commented on Apr 19 11 at 12:58 pmThis is the logical conclusion to America, that has given the state the primary responsibility for keeping us safe. With that as a goal, there is NO END to the insanity of encroachment government will make in our lives. I recommend reading Ron Pau’s recent book, “Liberty Defined: The 50 Urgent Issues That Affect Our Freedom”. It is time we have the discussion of what we want government to do, and what we a free individuals are responsible for.
Martin commented on Apr 19 11 at 1:17 pmFirst we’re told kids don’t get enough exercise, then these bureaucratic clowns decide that normal kids’ games like wiffle ball, tag, or dodge ball are “risky” activities.
Seems these government “nannies” have far too much time on their hands, sitting around dreaming up such nonsense. Eliminating some of these bureaucrats’ jobs would save taxpayers money, as well as allowing people to make decisions for themselves.
Lenny C commented on Apr 19 11 at 1:23 pmHere’s the reason: Follow the dollar. I quote: “She also points out that the regulations could cripple small recreational programs, forcing them to pay a $200 fee to register as a summer camp and provide medical staff.” They don’t care if the kids play. They just want to charge for it.
justin_o_guy commented on Apr 19 11 at 1:25 pmBullies, punks & thugs,& potential for falling on stairs or just a slick floor in the cafeteria & terrorists targeting school children make going to school WAY more hazardous than any potential reward a kid may one day earn from the crappy “education” the kids are getting is worth, so lets ban schools.
Im glad I watched Napoleon Dynamite. I learned how to say “Idiots”,,
Kikiriki commented on Apr 19 11 at 1:35 pmThere is one word to explain all of this: LAWSUITS. Seriously. I understand the need for the little guy to be able to stand up to the big guy on certain occasions, but I think our judicial system has taken waaaaaaay too many hits by frivolous (and dangerous) lawsuits, which has resulted in the fear of being sued (not even the fear of losing, but of having to pay a lawyer to defend oneself from the suit), and in liability insurance rates going way up, which results in some of the ‘nanny state” stuff we have seen in recent years. It’s time for some tort reform.
Iraq Vet commented on Apr 19 11 at 1:52 pmAmerica is dead. This is what I fought in the desert for?
Bev commented on Apr 19 11 at 3:35 pmThese people really have their heads up their A_ _ _S! How did we ever survive to adulthood and having kids ourselves when everything is unsafe, unclean, etc., etc. The dirtier and more scraped up a kid is, the healthier and happier the kid is!!! Get a grip on reality already, and toss out all those bottles of hand sanitizer already! Let your kids ride the swings, crawl in the sandbox – the more they’re exposed to, the better their immune system is! This makes me crazy!
Julia commented on Apr 19 11 at 3:38 pmI work for a City Parks Department and oversee a summer playground program. Because we allow our kids come and go as they please, we aren’t labeled a summer day camp program. It’s a loophole that I hope they never close because it would hamper what we’re able to offer kids in terms of active play. I’m sure there’s other things we don’t do (no lunch offered, no fee required to participate in program) that help us avoid the designation but the impression I got when queried by the Health Department was that the attendance non-requirement is what differentiates us from being a summer day camp.
vl commented on Apr 19 11 at 5:17 pmWow! Communism, here we come…Why not try giving these games different names, then they won’t be on the list…
Don C commented on Apr 19 11 at 5:25 pmNo wonder this country is rapidly becoming a weak pansy society. No wonder we are laughed at all over the world now.
We need to expel this liberal nonsense from where ever we find it. Make our kids strong, not the weak minded and weak bodied fools that we are turning them into. Make our kids smart not the institutionalized “where’s my free gubbment cheese” freeloaders that they are becoming.
This country is in a sad state and it is getting worse as the liberal mindset is taking hold.
jason commented on Apr 19 11 at 6:56 pmbut isn`t that exactly the purpose? to raise a generation of paranoid safety-fearing children into a generation of paranoid safety-fearing adults who will buy into the ridiculous terrorism propoganda and withdrawal of basic liberties..
Bobby Lee commented on Apr 19 11 at 10:16 pmThis is absolute insanity.. Let’s see, we can’t give a kid a failing grade in school because it might hurt his self esteem. There should not be “winners” and “losers” in a game for fear of hurting a kids self-esteem. And NOW, we’re afraid of a kid getting pinged in the head with a ball…. Ya know what, once more I wanna thank ALL the soldiers who ever fought for ME to have the FREEDOM to PLAY a GAME. I also want to APOLOGIZE to the same Soldiers who fought for ALL OF OUR FREEDOM only to find out that the GOVERNMENT is deciding that harmless childhood games are dangerous.
mike commented on Apr 19 11 at 10:34 pmI would just encourage camps to set up outside new york just across state line.
this would cut new york insurance companies from insuring camps. and it would send taxes and fees to other states. it would also eliminate new york’s self imposed nanny state authority over these families.
I would also suggest parents who can enroll their children in private schools in new york
JIMMY V. commented on Apr 19 11 at 10:45 pmREALLY…!!!! WHO ARE THE MORONS THAT THINK THIS CRAP UP? LET KIDS BE KIDS…I HAD MY SHARE OF STITCHES..BIG DEAL, I HAD A GREAT CHILDHOOD, FUN EVERYDAY! YOU PEOPLE THAT THINK THIS BULL UP, ARE SAD ! DONT USE A FORK, YOU MIGHT POKE YOUR EYE OUT,DONT USE A SPOON YOU MIGHT CHOKE ON IT ! YIKES LETS NOT TALK ABOUT A KNIFE! IM THINKING THE GOOFBALL THINKING THIS CRAP UP LIVE IN A BUBBLE, AND NEVER HAD FUN THEMSELFS…SO NOBODY ELSE CAN HAVE FUN ! GET A LIFE AND STOP MESSIN WITH EVERYONE ELSE’S LIFE…SHAME ON YOU ! YOU SHOULD GO PLAY IN TRAFFIC ! SIGHED…DISGUSTED !!!!
JIMMY V. commented on Apr 19 11 at 10:59 pmHEY GOVERNMENT…WORRY ABOUT OUR COUNTRYS DEBT THAT YOU MORONS GOT US INTO ! AND WORRY ABOUT OUR PEOPLE AND NOT EVERY OTHER COUNTRY YOU GIVE OUR MONEY AWAY TOO! WORKED MY WHOLE LIFE AND PAID TAXES, AND NOW IM CLOSE TO RETIREMENT AND ENJOY MY KIDS AND GRAND KIDS, I CANT NOW CAUSE YOU BLEW ALL THAT MONEY TOO ! SO LQQK CLOWNS, LEAVE OUR KIDS ENJOYMENT ALONE ! AND WORRY ABOUT DOING YOUR JOB…REMEMBER ITS… WE THE PEOPLE…NOT ME THE PRESIDENT ! I LOVE MY COUNTRY…FEAR MY SO CALLED GOVERNMENT ! ID LIKE TO THANK THE FALLEN AND THE TROOPS THAT PROTECT OUR FREEDOMS! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Brian commented on Apr 20 11 at 4:35 amThe NYS Govt is an absolute joke and has been getting progressively worse for decades.
Brian commented on Apr 20 11 at 4:39 amFor all you thanking the military for fighting for our freedom: Not denigrating the kids doing what they’re told but when was your freedom EVER threatened by an Afghan, Iraqi, or any foreigner for that matter? I don’t know about you but MY freedom has been under attack by my own govt for a long time now.
Moralynn commented on Apr 20 11 at 8:31 amSeems bad, but I bet there is a high chance we will just let this and the next thing slide. This will continue until we are in cattle cars.
Dan commented on Apr 20 11 at 11:57 amMore importantly, U.S. History prior to the Civil War is being removed from K-12 public education systems throughout the country. That means this generation of kids will never learn the Constituion or Bill of Rights. Preperation to have uninformed, paranoid, and government fearing future adults.
kristel commented on Apr 20 11 at 1:34 pmthank u for increasing future healthcare costs fir Americans. there is nothing wrong with our kids being active. what parent really truly wants their kid stuck to a tv screen playing video games? not because they allow it but now they are forced to because the games that get the kids moving active off their asses have been deemed unsafe..!!! thank u government for thinking about the kids thank u for increasing the sickness that follows the obesity which often follows inactivity. what were u really thinking?
jim commented on Apr 20 11 at 6:15 pmIt just seems obvious that the powers that be would rather have our children fat from a lack of activity, unsociable due to a lack of group activity, and mindless due to plenty of time in front of the TV and video games.
Good ol’ Big Brother is gonna keep our kids safe by training them to sit down, shut up, and do what they are told. Oh, and if you don’t like it, they will send CPS agents with SWAT escort to take your kids and throw you in jail.
Elizabeth commented on Jun 07 11 at 10:49 pmSounds like a boon to the NY large summer camp industry. Throw up a big barrier to entry and kick smaller competitors out of the market. I’ll bet those big camps consulted with the state in making the rules, alright.
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