You're it: School district cancels ban on tag following outcry

MERCER ISLAND, Wash. -- Tag, the classic children's game, is back at Mercer Island's elementary schools.

The Mercer Island School District announced Friday that tag, as well as other games that were previously banned on school grounds because they involved some form of contact, is now allowed.

"Tag as we know it and have known it is reinstated," district officials said in a statement.

The question of whether or not tag should be allowed at Mercer Island Schools became a contentious one after Q13 FOX News published a report earlier this week that the game was banned from school grounds.  Many parents didn't know the game was not allowed at Mercer Island's three elementary schools, and scoffed at the district's hands off policy.

“Good grief, our kids need some unstructured playtime,” said mom Kelsey Joyce. "I totally survived tag. I even survived Red Rover, believe it or not."

Signs spotted earlier this week outside one elementary school encouraged kids to join league sports teams – but playing tag on the playground was not allowed during recess.

Mercer Island School District Communications Director Mary Grady explained the district’s decision via email:

“The Mercer Island School District and school teams have recently revisited expectations for student behavior to address student safety. This means while at play, especially during recess and unstructured time, students are expected to keep their hands to themselves. The rationale behind this is to ensure the physical and emotional safety of all students."

However, after much outcry from parents both in and out of the district, school officials decided to allow the game once again.

Here's the release from the Mercer Island School District:

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