School picks soft option for footy players

A VICTORIAN school has banned children from using leather footballs and soccer balls after concerns were raised about possible head injuries.

Only ‘‘ soft’’ balls are allowed in the playground under rules introduced at Albert Park Primary School.

Experts have backed the move but warn parents and teachers not to be lulled into a false sense of security.

The school introduced the rules in a bid to lessen the impact of stray balls that hit students in the head.

Assistant principal Sue Pattison said the school’s almost 450 students shared an oval little bigger than a basketball court, increasing the chances of an accident.

About 480 students are expected to attend the school next year.

‘‘We still want kids to be able to run and play — it’s an important part of having a break — but to do it in as safe an environment as we can manage,’’ Ms Pattison said.

‘‘It’s really just about prevention of major injuries,’’ she said.

The soft balls, introduced last term, are constructed of foam or have a foam layer under the skin.