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Study Says Schools Should Do Away With Dodgeball

Many People Think Dodgeball Should Stay
Posted at 9:23 AM, Jan 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-30 10:23:11-05

Remember Dodgeball?

We all played it, maybe you were the one running to the front ready to slam your opponent or you might have been hiding in the back just waiting for the game to end.

A recent study called the game a "Tool of Oppression" that shouldn't be played in schools.

All new this morning, we're taking a 360 look and found there are plenty of opinions on this old school game.

Now the subject of a University study, Dodgeball a tool of oppression.

Canadian researchers say Dodgeball, even with a soft ball, promotes exploitation, marginalization, powerlessness and cultural imperialism and violence

So, is there something about Dodgeball, that's more problematic than other sports or games?

We're getting perspectives from schools, a psychologist, a dodge ball league organizer and 10-year-old Emily.

"We've been doing it for a couple of years and it's one of the most fun games for us to run...it's great for team work, it's great for exercise."

Adult Dodgeball League Organizer, Mike Ross says there's no reason kids shouldn't play Dodgeball and reap all the same benefits of it.

"Our matches are only about 45 minutes but by the end of it everybody's sweating, everybody's drenched and had a good time."

Of course in this friendly game, nobody's trying to hurt or humiliate anyone, that may not be the memory some people have of Dodgeball in school.

Psychologist Shawn Worthy studied bullying in sports.

He says any competition can bring out aggression, which may lead to bullying and Dodgeball does have some unique characteristics.

"It's one of the few sports where individuals are targeted with something, with an object, right,...you can choose teams, where it's one side against the other side, and the other side may be people who are less desirable, and so when you really look at it , it is a support where some of the elements of bullying can be involved. "

PE Teacher Brad Hull has another problem with Dodgeball, the elimination aspect.

"What I didn't like about Dodgeball is it's an elimination game...and then when they get eliminated they're jut standing there."

He wants students moving, in his classes they learn the value of physical fitness and positive competition.

"Instead of your 11 on 11 soccer, I do 3 on 3 or at most 4 on 4...I also implement modified rules, so in order for a team to score, everyone has to get a pass that way it promotes teamwork and cooperation with students."

Emily obviously enjoyed taking some playful shots at her cousins.

But it sounds like in her school they've learned some things about sportsmanship and friendship.

"I would say if someone's lonely, if it's a new kid, at least reach out and ask if they want to play, or if they want a friend."

A good lesson to remember, whatever the game.

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