By RUSSDARDEN on Tuesday, February 27, 2001 - 12:09 pm: Edit

My county administration has recently informed us that all of our schools have to take down all of our climbing ropes. I believe this is due to a liability or pending lawsuit. What can be done about this???

By IHATEPE on Tuesday, February 27, 2001 - 12:10 pm: Edit

NO, It is because the climbing ropes are too difficult for overweight and girls.

By RUSSDARDEN on Tuesday, February 27, 2001 - 12:12 pm: Edit

Hmmmm.....Either you really do hate PE, or you are an overweight female (maybe both). Anyway, I am sorry you feel that way. But we have (or did have) three different kind of ropes. Each had a diffrent level of challenge. One was with big knots (which EVERYONE seemed to enjoy...even the overweight children), another had small knots, and one had no knots. It was a fun challenge for students when we did stations. And, for your info....elementary females have been some of my better climbers. Do you teach high school or middle??

By Anonymous on Wednesday, April 04, 2001 - 07:41 am: Edit

My school removed our rope because a kid fell off. They were worried about a lawsuit, but the conflict was taken care of. I still do not have a rope and I feel one of the best upper body strength exercises was taken away from my curriculum.

By Jinx Tucker on Friday, April 06, 2001 - 12:06 am: Edit

We use both Knoted and Regular. We use it as a station and have had a lot of "overweight" kids have success. It is not a mandatory thing.

By Marlin F. Collins (Mcollins) on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 12:53 pm: Edit

I would like to know what the minimum standard for mats are when using climbing ropes, cargo nets, and balance beam (24" high). Also the area away from these pieces of equipment that need mats?
Risk Management is trying to take all of these pieces away.

By Scott Wilson on Wednesday, April 17, 2002 - 05:37 pm: Edit

My district is doing the same thing, wanting us to take the ropes down for insurance reasons. I have taught for 8 years and have yet to have anything more serious than a ropeburn happen. I have used the rope with K-6. Is there any research that I can use to support the ropes. I would bet there are more injuries due to recess equipment than there are to the ropes.