Extreme Dodge ball
Allan A. © 2014
I remember it like it was yesterday. Sometimes all it takes is something, someone, to trigger the thought that causes the memories to come rushing back with a flood of emotions. This time it was Quincy Ross, but back then, I didn't know his real name. I just knew him as QR, the feared leader of the AshTag Kru at Westfield Avenue Middle School.
"So tell me, why do you want to come to Westfield?" said Mr. Adams, the principal of Westfield Avenue Middle School.
I glanced over to my mom, then my dad. They looked back at me. They both took me to the entrance interview that is required to get into Westfield.
"I am speaking to you," said Mr. Adams, this time louder than the question.
I jumped. At only 12 years old, what kind of answer was he expecting?
"Because my sister was at this school and this is where my parents want me to go?" I replied, with some nervousness in my voice.
Mr. Adams had that effect on the kids at the school. He was a big guy, about 6ft 5 inches, always in a dark suit and solidly built. He had a full head of hair and a full beard to match. His sideburns and moustache merged all his facial hair into one but it was impeccably neat. Not a single strand of hair was out of place. He had a loud booming voice as well. I guess that was the reason that at the mention of his name, the students made sure that they were on their best behaviour.
"Hmmm," was his only response as he flipped through the file folder with my application.
"Very impressive," he said continued.
The interview continued but I don't remember much of what happened. I remember though when Mr. Adams looked at my parents and cautioned them.
"You do realize that it is very competitive to get into Westfield. Each year we get over a thousand applications but we have room for only 150 kids. Also, we are very strict on discipline here. It's zero tolerance. One strike and you are out because there are many other kids waiting to get in."
"We understand," said my dad.
Who would have thought that I would be among the fortunate few selected to attend Westfield. I didn't realize the significance back then but when I got older I found out why enrollment in the school was so competitive.
Westfield Middle school was in the toughest neighbourhood in the city but what was interesting was that in the school's history, no student was ever suspended or expelled for disciplinary reason. Students are well behaved. Sure they had a zero tolerance policy but there was never an occasion to use it. At that time, what the school had that was different from the other school was how they settle disputes. If students had a dispute, instead of fighting or arguing, it was settled by the Challenge. This was where students challenged each other in a game of extreme dodge ball.
The rules were simple enough. If a dispute occurs, one student raises a challenge by completing a Form C, as it was called. Mr. Adams himself reviews the challenge by examining the issues. If he thinks it is necessary, the other person is told that they have a challenge. A date is set for the showdown. Each student can then assemble a team of no more than 15 other students to help them defend the challenge. Both teams face off for a game of extreme dodge ball. Students wear protective headgear which are supplied by the school. In this version, head shots are allowed, which explains the head gear. There are unlimited balls and the balls are soaked in water coloured with food dye of various colours. Each student must stay in the game for at least 5 minutes. The game ends when the team captain calls "cree". This is a word I have never heard of but that was the safe word that ends the game.
