No Ball Games

No Ball Games.   Why?   The 'No Ball Games' mentality in the UK is something that I cannot get my head around.   Yet I often see these signs displayed, and sometimes they are placed on very large grassed areas, which I find are rarely used by people.      

I know that boys (and men) in this country are obsessed by football, and many people object to the noise of a group of lads kicking a football about, and there is the concern that some innocent person walking by may get hit by a ball.        Swearing was cited as a reason for not allowing ball games.   Also broken windows and general noise.  And yes, this does happen, but that still does not mean that ball games should be banned.   

Surely it is much better for young people to be involved in playing a game of football, or cricket, or any other ball game, than to be hanging around street corners, or sitting inside houses, or generally feeling very bored.    And would not the idea of allowing ball games on grassed areas,  improve the general fitness of many young people.   

Interestingly these signs are usually placed in Housing Association areas, which makes one think that people who live in state owned houses are not to be trusted.     Killjoy Housing Associations, as one person on a forum, described them.   And I agree.

However, when I researched the 'No Ball Games' on the web, I found one council who are forward thinking.    Barnet Council are removing all 'No Ball' signs from council estates.    Well done Barnet!   Maybe word will get around, and we will see the end of the 'No Ball Games' era.