Nerf Footballs Only For Weber Students at Recess

An increase in the amount of recess injuries caused by flying footballs at Weber Middle School has prompted school officials to slightly modify schoolyard rules in the name of safety.

The use of regular footballs or lacrosse balls at recess has been disallowed, according to a school official. However, the school has OK'd the use of Nerf footballs and tennis balls.

The decision was made earlier this week by Weber administrators after errant pigskin passes caused a rash of injuries.

"What we've noticed is that we've had a lot of kids in the nurse's office because of being inadvertently hit," said Weber Assistant Principal Matthew Swinson to Patch on Oct. 4.

Nerf balls put students in the best situation to lessen or mitigate the chance of getting injured, according to Swinson. 

"We know kids are going to get injured ... but we have a responsibility to lessen injuries," said Swinson.

A recess rule change announcement was made to Weber students over the public address system at the end of the school day Wednesday, according to a Weber student. 

Most common playground games and sports equipment such as soccer balls or kickballs are still permitted — but some activities are frowned upon.

Swinson said Weber staff discourages students from attempting cartwheels in the schoolyard without the supervision of a physical education teacher, and from playing tag at recess.

"Sometimes when they participate in tag they use the opportunity to give an extra push," said Swinson.