Bulldog

[Madsometimes]

When I was in primary school the game Bulldog was banned.

Most of you know the rules but for those who don't: There are different variations on this game, but basically the object of the game is to run from one side of the playground to the other. At first one child is in the middle and he or she grabs at the running children. Any caught children stay in the middle, grabbing at other running children. Unsurprisingly it tends to end up like a rugby scrum on concrete, with a mass of bodies. Last one to be caught is the winner.

When I was at school, we all thought banning bulldog was unfair, and of course it was played when no one was looking. However, in my daughter's school bulldog is permitted and children play it openly. Today at 3o'clock I was called to collect her early. She has a black eye going down one side of her face, her scabby knee from last week has been cut open again, her new front teeth are wobbling and her glasses are scratched.

I am extremely upset, and feel like phoning her head now to complain. I won't, I know complaining when angry is not advisable. I do want bulldog to be banned though, but I don't want the children to know that it is because of my daughter.

Am I being unreasonable?

[juuule]

Personally, I would tell my daughter not to join in if she keeps getting hurt. I wouldn't expect it to be banned.

[EmsMum]

Um. Tricky. I was at school way before anyone had thought of banning bulldog. But I don't remember any black eyes. It does sound like they are being altogether too rough.

I think that given you were sent for early they may be willing to admit at this point that things need toning down a bit... maybe issue one school-wide warning that unless its less rough then bulldog will be banned?

[nooka]

I loved playing British Bulldog (which is what we called it) at school and was upset when it was banned. We were occasionally allowed to play it as a special treat on the grass. But it can be rough, and it certainly sounds as if you certainly would be within your rights to complain, and the school should be in the business of calming it down anyway if your daughter's experience is anything to go by.

[Madsometimes]

This morning my dd got up and limped across the room, claiming not to be able to walk. I think she's probably milking it, but she's also got a cold so I've given her the day off.

I called the school to say she won't be in and the head answered the phone. He was very apologetic about her being hurt (twice in a week). When I said they were playing bulldog he went into total denial. Oh no, he said, the children in this school do not play bulldog. They are allowed to play tag games, but definitely not bulldog. OK, maybe they do not play the whole school version of the game, with over a hundred children running at each other, but they do play smaller bouts of it. Anyway, we ended the conversation with me requesting that the dinner ladies keep a close eye.

It does make me mad though, when teachers are in denial about what goes on in school.

[kittyletteItBe]

Kids play games, kids get hurt.

Should they ban running in case they fall over?

Ban skipping ropes as they can be a strangulation danger?

Ban going outside all together?

Where do you draw the line on 'dangerous play?'

If you don't want your daughter to play this game then YOU ban her from playing it.

Don't complain to the school and stop all the other kids from be allowed to play it too.

I loved British Bulldog at school (and red rover!.

Sorry If that sounded a bit rantish but I just think kids should play, kids should climb trees ( even if theres risks of breaking arms ect)

[kittyletteItBe]

PS, I hope your daughter feels better

[juuule]

Hear, Hear Kittylette.
Madsometimes - does your dd enjoy playing this game? When she's back at school will she want to join in again?
I also hope your dd feels better soon.

[ImaburningHEIFERgy]

you need to teach your DD how to avoid being caught.... tell her to dodge round lamposts etc to practice...

I loved playing British Bulldog and that game where you lined up against a wall and someone throw tennis balls as hard as they could at you...

It was fun, well if you were good at it I guess.

Tis all part of growing up I feel..

Now ask me this question again next year when DD starts school and I bet I will have a completely different answer....