I've always had a love for dodgeball for as long as I could remember. It was always me and the guys trying to hit each other to make that big boom sound when contact is made. Being on a team was amazing for me. I loved the rewards you would get from your team if you got someone out or had a big catch. When there was always a free period I could remember that we would always try and convince the teacher to let us play dodgeball. It was a time when you had to work together to be the best, with numerous strategies and tactics. Dodgeball was so big at my school that we had an annual tournament of up to 20 teams. Every two years the final game would played in front of the whole school and eventually kick-off a day full of fun activities. One year, my team made it to the finals and actually swept the other team 3-0 in front of the whole school. It was a complete underdog story because the odds were against us and it turned out to be one of the best days of my high school career.
However during this time, I noticed that many girls would not enjoy playing dodgeball and would stand off to the side. As someone who loves the sport, I could not understand why one would not compete. Now, I can see how dodgeball can reinforce gender norms by perpetuating a more aggressive male dominant style of game instead focusing on the fundamental movements and strategic team play involved in the sport. Gender norms in Western society, encourage girls to shy away from aggressive and competitive sports, as it would hinder their outward femininity. Looking at the style of dodgeball that is played in most schools, we can observe the predominately all male teams, aggressive attitudes and misconduct play (ex. head shots). Because of these characteristics, gender norms could influence the decision for a female to engage the way she truly wants to. Due to the fact that gendered norms are structured within education programs and other external factors in students lives, they are more susceptible to adhering to what they think society expects of them due to their gender. Thus we see girls standing near the side lines, not comfortable enough to show their competitive edge with the team.
I believe that the problems surrounding the allowance of dodge ball in k-12 could be mostly based on social factors placed upon students. In my experience, the physical education program did not do anything substantial to change the style of dodge ball in school, instead now we are seeing schools take it out completely. I never once had a physical education teacher promote gender equity in regards to opportunities to play and be competitive in sports. Instead versions of dodgeball were adapted to socially construct the students to follow the gender norms given by society (Dr. dodgeball).
Given my observation of dodgeball in high school I do not think it is suitable to be played in k-12 because it reproduces gender norms and entails decreases physically activity. Dodgeball does not promote activity for life, teamwork and cooperation because there is inequality between genders. There are other better suited activities that can promote the same fundamental movements that do not reproduce gender norms, but rather promote one’s true self. For now stay away from dodgeballs and wrenches and find another activity. You can check out my activities page for more ideas. So let’s get everyone involved no matter what the gender and be physically lit!
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