Fifth grade students at Western Salisbury Elementary School invited special guests to a presentation Jan. 15 to hear their idea to add a gaga pit to the school.

Special guests included Principal Grace Hartman, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss, Director of Maintenance, Building and Grounds William Brackett, Salisbury Township Code Enforcement Officer Sandy Nicolo, Physical Education Teacher Robert Ludwig, Salisbury Press Editor Debbie Galbraith and PTA Vice President Sebastian Van Beek.

According to the students, gaga ball is a fast-paced high-energy game played in an octagonal pit. Described as a gentler version of dodge ball, the students learned about the game on Newszilla, an online source of information for students about current events.

The presentation included an overview of the game, rules of the game, projected costs and fundraising ideas.

All players start with one hand touching a wall of an octagonal pit. A referee throws the ball into the center of the pit. A player can hit the ball with their hand. If the ball touches a player below the knee, they are out and they leave the pit. The last player standing is the winner of that round.

Students took turns presenting to the special guests and then opened the floor for questions.

When asked why the students believed they needed this new equipment, they said the game can be played inside or outside and includes all students, even those in wheelchairs. “New friendships can be started,” one student said. Another said, “It is fun for all ages.”

Students said because the game is played with a foam ball, there is little risk of injuries.

Nicolo commended the students on their thorough presentation and reviewed the township codes for playground equipment and zoning laws. He said the current code states a permit is not needed for playground equipment. “You can have it as far as zoning and building,” Nicolo said.

Brackett was asked about liability if someone gets hurt while using the equipment after hours if left outside. Brackett said it is the same as the regular playground equipment.

“This will have to go to the school board for their approval,” Brackett said. He said a discussion is needed on whether the equipment will be portable or permanent. Brackett said he and his staff would be happy to provide the installation labor once the materials are provided.

Ludwig said portable or permanent is fine with him as long as the equipment is safe and used properly. He would like to see it portable in case of rain or snow.

“There will be a greater use if it is portable,” Ludwig said.

Hartman told the students she liked the presentation and asked what they learned from their research.

Students said they did not realize gaga was a sport and could be played in various shapes.

They also said they learned how working together they accomplished a lot tapping into student’s skills such as letter writers, presenters, fundraisers, etc.

“Even though we are kids, we can still make a difference in the world,” one student said.

“We learned about making money and that gaga is really fun,” another said.

“We are glad to be making this presentation,” another student said. “It might just happen– nothing is impossible.”

Van Beek said he would love for the students to make a presentation at a PTA meeting. “Let the PTA know what we can do to help you out.”

Fundraising ideas include “Gaga” T-shirts, pennies for gaga collected in classrooms, asking for donations of lumber from either Home Depot or Lowe’s and writing a grant to the Salisbury Education Foundation.

The estimated cost is $700.

For more information on the gaga pit, visit YouTube and type in gaga pit.