The Powderpuff

As with any school year, we are faced with the task of challenging decisions, many of which have implications beyond a handful of students. To that end, we ask for your support.

For the past several years, several female members of the junior and senior classes at Medway High School have participated in a football game, also known as a “Powderpuff” football game. Last year, we met at length with the participants, and, in the interest of safety, attempted to shift the game from a tackle football game without protective gear to a flag football game. We mandated the use of mouthguards, having anecdotally learned of head and mouth injuries sustained in previous contests. We provided two adult supervisors on the field to act as referees, and, finally, requested the game be a flag football game.

While last year’s participants begrudgingly agreed to don flags, wear the mouth-guards, and play by safer guidelines, the students quickly stopped using the mouth guards and rules, as well as follow the guidance of the adult officials provided, in favor of their traditional melee. In short, it became apparent that we could not guarantee the participants’ safety and that “tradition” would prevail.

As a result, we have decided to cease with sponsoring the game as a school-sanctioned event. As we consider our core values, which we continue to reiterate, it is difficult to endorse an activity that does not similarly endorse safety, respect, and responsibility.

We shared this information with students over a month ago, explaining our position, and there was, understandably disappointment.  We have heard that some students are considering playing the game as, I am told, it was originally- a friendly pick-up game between two grades. We wish them well, but cannot endorse or support their efforts.

We know that there are many students who were anticipating their participation in the event. We also know that our students are capable of finding other conscientious, productive ways to demonstrate their school spirit, their support of one another, and their collective enthusiasm in ways that are safe, responsible, and inclusive. We ask for and appreciate your support of creating an extended Medway High School community that espouses, endorses, and considers its Core Values in everything it does as we endeavor to create an ideal learning community.