Are balls in schoolyards a safety concern?

(iStock photo)A Toronto elementary school has taken the air out of some outdoor activities by banning balls in the schoolyard.

The principal of Earl Beatty Public School banned the balls this week after a parent recently suffered a concussion from being hit in the head with a soccer ball.

Students can bring sponge or other soft balls to play with, but soccer balls, footballs, baseballs and even tennis balls are not allowed for safety reasons.

But some parents say the ban is excessive and unfair to children who like to play outside.

Students unhappy with the ban chanted, "We want our balls back! We want our balls back!" at schoolyard supervisors, according to the Toronto Star.

Students said that they won't be as active without the proper equipment, and that sponge balls can easily get soggy, heavy and smelly when used outside.

Anna Caputo, Toronto District School Board communications officer, told the Star the ban is temporary and that they are monitoring the situation.

Are balls in schoolyards a safety concern? Is the schoolyard ban an appropriate response to the activity, or are there any better ways to ensure safe outdoor sports? Let us know in the comments section below.


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