Snowball fight on campus? Drop it or be sued!

G'day Everyone.

It's a winter time tradition. Snowball fighting. The joy of rolling the snow into a ball and having a physical fun time to throw it. Just like it's been posted on CNN: http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-367071

Only one problem. Ever stare down at the barrel of gun being held a campus safety officer and being told to drop it? Yep. It happens. Some colleges and universities consider a snowball a projectile weapon that can be used to cause harm. Campus police are often called upon to break up even the smallest snowball fights going on. When they do, the people involved get sent to a hearing where they'll face charges.

There's a reason why. Colleges and Universities are afraid of being sued if someone seriously gets hurt during a snow ball fight. That's why lawyers are always ready to step in if someone does.

A friend of mine told me that when he was in college, snowball fights were the norm on his college campus. But one person felt threatened so much of snowballs, she decided to report it. It turned the school to be against students from throwing snowballs from then on. That person later realized her mistake and tried to undo it. Unfortunately, the school wouldn't budge their position. She later had to transfer away to finish her studies. To this day, she still regrets her decision to report it.

I enjoyed snowball battles when I was a kid in the neighborhood. Snowball wars were the best past times. If someone got hurt, we'd all band together and help that person home. Some times it's bumps and bruises. A few of us have had broken arms, legs, and the usual sick days. But, we were friends and having a joy of friendship in a snow ball war.

If I could today, I'd invite all my friends to a snowball war in which we just enjoy for fun, then have an evening bonfire that has marshmallows (toasted by the fire) and hot chocolate. But that is just a dream.

So, if you have a snowball fight out there today, play safe. Make it enjoyable. Just don't pack the snow ball hard. OK? And by the way, if you really want some defense in a snow ball war, build a good strong snow fort!

Semper FI.