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Remember Being Whacked By The Dodge Ball?
By Thomas D. Segel
June 11, 2004

It was in the paper the other day. Another school district wants to ban "Dodge Ball". It also wants to end the practice of kids "choosing sides".

In banning Dodge Ball the school administrators claim some children are sought out due to their unpopularity for punishing hits by the ball. Others, who might not be quick enough or athletic enough, are hit too often. Those throwing the ball ignore some children, causing them to feel left out of the game.

When I was growing up all that was called life. In life there are always people who, due to their unpopularity, or lack of ability, either get completely ignored or become the center to undesired attention. They usually learn to handle these experiences or find ways to overcome the obstacles.

When sides are chosen to form teams in sports competition or in life, selection is often made on the basis of popularity. As we grow older and more discerning, the selections are made more on ability than personality. It really doesn't matter what the basis is for selecting a team, there are those who are chosen and others who are left on the sidelines. Again, this is life.

When I played Dodge Ball, I was often whacked a few good licks because I didn't get out of the way. Though it didn't feel very good to be on the receiving end of that ball, I knew my turn would come to be the one taking aim at my favorite opponent and justice would be served.

I can also remember not being picked for some teams or being at the bottom of the selection list. The reason was simple. I didn't play very well. So, I practiced hard and my skills were noticed. It wasn't too far into the future before I was being picked higher on the list.

The point of this is we can't make our globe into a "One World Fits All" planet. There are going to be successes in life and there are going to be lots and lots of failures. A school cannot shield those who lack agility or ability. It cannot stop children from being hit by the dodge ball of life. To attempt such protection by removing any perceived threats from the schoolyard does not strengthen the child. If they never know adversity, they are never prepared to face it with strength and determination.

It might serve our children much better if parents faced down these misguided school administrators and told them to back off trying to protect the children from the realities of this world.

Let's face it. When you run out on the schoolyard of life, sooner or later you are going to be whacked by a ball. The secret is being prepared to respond to that whack and not looking for someone else to fight your battle.

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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.