Double Dutch, New City High School Varsity Sport

Photograph by urbanblitz on Flickr

The transition of the beloved neighborhood past time of double dutch into the official realm of NYC high school varsity sport is examined in the NY Times today. A physical education teacher who will teach a co-ed team, Shani Newsome, said, “In Bed-Stuy it’s an unspoken rule that you have to learn how to jump rope. You can’t stay outside if you don’t know how to double-dutch.”

David Walker, a former police sergeant, is credited with writing about the game's history and for being a vocal supporter--he founded the National Double Dutch League. Walker died last week, and the Apollo Theatre noted his passing on its marquee--the theatre hosts double dutch competitions there during the year. (Barry Popik also has some explanation, including Walker's history, on double dutch.)

There's also an interesting Times graphic of other varsity sports offered at schools (including bowling!). Potential varsity sports: cycling, badminton and netball.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on July 31, 2008 5:22 PM

Comments [rss]

aveB4life

I dont know whether to try out for the double dutch team, the cee-lo team, or the dismantling a fire hydrant team

Deca

Good news. This is definetly an athletic activity. I hope it will encourage a few of those doritos eating and ghetto flavored juice drinking fat girls I see on the streets to put down the junk and do some double dutch.

Jen Chung

@jt1000--thanks for that link, that's great. And it's very sad about David Walker's passing--he seemed to be passionate about getting people to be active outside and together.

MFer

Looking forward when it becomes an Olympic event. I'm sure any time now.

cucarachita

this is fabulous! I've always thought it was a totally amazing sport that deserved more attention! It's beautiful to watch!

Spirit of 76

The Times article also mentions that bicycling may be added to varsity sports. That would terrify the anti-bike crowd here on Gothamist.

Rfive

I think double dutch as a psal sport is an excellent idea. lots of kids do it and now it can be recognized beyond the corner.

i've seen some excellent jumpers. its true, you can't come outside if you can't jump.

chuzzlewit

double dutch is so much cooler than - say - football and other shit like that.

jt10000

David Walker was a very interesting guy - he also founded the longest-running bike race in New York City, the Skyscraper Harlem Cycling Classic

http://www.skyscraper-harlembikerace.com/