Be cautious when building gaga ball pits

Over the last decade, gaga ball has become a popular sport among both children and teenagers. Played in an octagonal pit, the game can be a great way to engage youth of all different skill levels—which is why a number of schools may be considering installing a gaga pit.

The challenge with this particular sport, however, is that there is no official regulating body or published safety protocols. That doesn’t mean, of course, that anything goes—rather, each school and organization that plans to add a pit should consider industry best practices during its design, installation and maintenance.

How to play gaga ball

First, let’s go over how gaga ball is played. Players start with one hand touching the wall of the pit, and the referee begins the game by throwing a ball into the pit. Players scream “Ga” on the first two bounces, and “Go” on the third bounce. After the third bounce, the ball is in play.

Once the ball is in play, players strike it with their hands to try hitting other players with the ball. Players are eliminated if they are hit anywhere below the knees, or if they hold the ball or pick it up. The last player in the pit is the winner.

The “pit” is just an enclosed area that can range from 20-25 feet in diameter. The walls are typically composed of wood, metal or plastic, and the playing surface can be made of grass, mulch or other playground surfacing materials.

Risk control considerations

CM Regent suggests organizations take the following precautions when designing and building their gaga pit:

• Always ensure there is adult supervision.
• Purchase the equipment from a reputable vendor, following the manufacturer’s installation instructions. While schools may be tempted to let a club or parent volunteer design the pit, that can become a major liability. It’s best to steer clear of do-it-yourself kits.
• Choose a location with good drainage to avoid standing water. Since the students will be maneuvering quickly, avoid any area that would permit ground holes that could cause ankle sprains and falls.
• Make repairs using only the manufacturer’s replacement parts. Inspect the equipment and remove sticks, leaves and litter before each use.
• Select appropriate protective surfacing materials. Organizations want to make sure players do not become injured when they fall. The best materials to use are engineered wood fiber, rubber surfacing or sand. Asphalt, concrete or grass can lead to injuries and adversely affect stormwater run-off. To find suitable surfacing materials and recommended depths, use the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Playground Safety Handbook.
• Do not place the pit on already established playground equipment surfacing areas. Playground equipment has specific use zones where other equipment is not allowed. It is best for each gaga ball pit to have its own surfaced area away from playground equipment.
• Extend the protective surfacing material outside the play area. If a participant falls over the wall and strikes the surface outside the gaga pit, there should be a suitable surface in place.
• Provide a self-closing gate through which participants can access the play area. This gate will not only make the pit accessible to players with disabilities, but it will also allow participants to access it without needing to climb over the pit walls. Additionally, a transition zone will provide an accessible surface through which players with disabilities can easily enter.
• Construct the structure to a height appropriate for the intended age group.
• Fasten the gaga pit to the surface on which it is installed. This prevents it from accidentally moving during play and from being blown over during a windstorm.
• Periodically inspect the wall components, fasteners and pinch points. This will identify that the components are free of hazards that can cause injury.
• Create an inspection checklist and procedure.
• Create and post “Gaga Pit User Guidelines” in an easily identifiable place near or in the structure. These guidelines should include the maximum number of players and how far apart in age the players may be.

Before starting on the design and construction process, schools should consult with their legal counsel. It is better to know about any potential liabilities or restrictions at the beginning of the process, rather than after the play area has already been constructed.

With the proper planning and precautions, organizations can make their new gaga pit a safe and fun place for youth.

Check out these additional risk control resources to keep your students safe.