Can kids do gymnastics on the field at playtime?

[Trallers]

At my school the kids have been told by some members of staff that they are allowed to do gymnastics moves but only ones they "know how to do" and not ones they are learning. It's outrageously unsafe isn't it? The head doesn't 'allow' it but some staff members seem to, despite me raising it repeatedly. I tell the kids not to but they don't understand why something they are good at is dangerous, especially when the teacher on duty yesterday said it was fine. Plus they aren't always in ears reach so I have to watch them do 6 back flips in a row, or an aerial cartwheel, as I race across the grass. It's actually making me want to quit as we roll into summer and it's every bloody day. Throw in all the other poor behaviour and I'm tearing my hair out! I have a feeling this isn't happening at other schools as none I've spoken to allow it - would be interested to hear wider responses though.

The issue there is arguably the football.

If they feel secure enough to do that then they probably are.
And football and tag shouldn't always get precedence

Well, I tell you what, when you're a teacher, you can choose tp take that risk with other people's children 👍

None of what you have detailed is especially problematic but, when my daughter was learning aerials there were a few heart in mouth moments when she landed badly. It's the only thing I don't allow.

She does competitive cheerleading now and she and her team are very competent. It doesn't mean there aren't visits to hospital when a mishap occurs.

Really? I spent my whole school play times and summer holidays playing handstand games (anyone remember G.O?) And also doing back flips, handsprings, and front and back walkovers. All the girls used to practice gymnastics at breaktimes. It kept us fit and healthy.

Years later both my (now adult) daughters did it too.

I can't believe that schools are now stopping girls from doing their hobbies at school. Are the boys allowed to play football? Is anyone allowed to run? What about skipping? Will that be banned incase someone trips over?

Its all gone a bit mental.

I've just read a book called The Anxious Generation, which basically says this is exactly what kids should be doing!

I assume there is a difference between a cartwheel and an aerial move?

Do gymnastic clubs let their students do such moves on a hard surface? With other children running around them?

Just to be clear, many boys and girls play basketball and volleyball. Mostly boys play football. Lots of girls skip and do low level gymnastics. All kids run and race each other lots. All these things are totally fine. It's not about stopping the girls doing their hobbies but not the boys, just about safety. I'd feel horrendous if something happened! Minor things happen all the time, obviously, so it's not about removing all risk (I agree risk is important). It's just about reasonable risk and I'm concerned this is a far too dangerous level

Surely kids doing cartwheels and backflips on the school field is as old as time. I'm shocked that anyone would want to ban it.

I supervise at lunchtime and allow gymnastics on the grass but not the playground. Our head encourages all types of ‘risky’ play including tree climbing, skipping and having children playing football and basketball in the same area. It is chaos out there BUT the kids are actually very good at judging risk themselves now and accidents are rare. I hate it and it isn’t how I parent but I can see the benefits too.

I’d say the risks are higher with football, or some of the things boys get up to. But of course we must stop the girls!

We as school staff discourage gymnastics. We have lots of grass but it's extremely uneven and our parents are unfortunately extremely precious (state primary school). We had one girl break her arm whilst cartwheeling (8 years ago) and since then the head has said no. It's a shame, but the risk we have of parents complaining and sighting every thing we've done wrong and the hassle that goes with it, it just isn't worth it.

The OP isn't talking about handstands, cartwheels (one or two handed), handsprings or forwards/backwards walkovers, though.

She's talking about aerials and back tucks and back layout step outs (a backwards aerial apparently) which some of them will be learning/have learnt to do at clubs but which won't be appropriate to do on a school playing field without a qualified coach present. And the teachers won't know until it's too late of someone tries to do.it for the first time

At my daughter's last cheerleading competition, we saw 3 girls being wheeled off in wheelchairs and several who had already competed earlier on crutches. I've previpusly seen a girl take to hospital in an ambulance. And these are teenagers who are competent enough to be competing.

I feel deeply sad that you’re trying to prevent this OP and very glad my child doesn’t go to that school!! Let them be kids!!

There are certain games we don't let the boys play too. And some of the boys aren't allowed to play football because it causes fights. And the only time I've ever seen a child taken to hospital for a football injury was a boy in my class at primary school who had his leg broken, and he wasn't even playing.

So, no. Not just the girls 🙄

OP is only on about gymnastics. The chances of a very serious injury are almost 0.

No one wants to ban cartwheels and backflips.

On what basis is the risk nearly 0?!

How will they learn to do the move if can’t practice /try

The fact that the girls are doing it every day without injury!!! Just lighten up a little

On the basis that more kids are injured playing football than any other sport. Look it up.

I was responding to another poster who brought in boys games and I quoted them in my response.

Fucksake. The reading/comprehension abilities of some posters on here is at an all time low!

The OP has been quite clear what her concerns are. And they are not handstands and cartwheels.

Yes but if she pushes for this it’ll end up with all gymnastics being banned. She is only gunning for gymnastics.

I think some of the difference in attitudes here comes down to difference in children. I've got one child who is possibly part cat, always lands on her feet. She has amazing risk assessment skills and despite terrifying adults that don't know her, manages never to get injured. If she was my only child and I hadn't worked with children, I wouldn't see what the fuss is about. Some other children push beyond their capabilities and OP doesn't want them to do it on her watch.

It sounds like your playground needs zoning or different things on different days. The problem is not the football or the gymnastics or the playing tag. Its all three of them taking place in the same space.

Gunning for gymnastics?! I'm trying to make sure that children are not risking life-altering injuries at school doing things that really need a coach present.