ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a form of play commonly observed on elementary school playgrounds at recess: Rough-and-tumble play (R&T). It explains children's play, generally, in terms of definition, development, and possible functions. The chapter also discuss R&T in light of these definitional criteria and speculate about possible functions of R&T. The difference between participants and nonparticipants also has implications for playground supervision. Specifically, children are often disciplined by their teachers or playground supervisors for perceived infractions of the playground. R&T is especially important to consider because it is commonly observed on the school playground at recess and especially by boys. R&T, especially during adolescence, may also be used as a way to gain access to resources. Typically this is done by cheating at R&T, or exploiting the playful tenor of R&T for dominance-exhibition ends. Ecologically, R&T tends to occur in spacious areas, such as the outdoors, and on those parts of playgrounds with soft, grassy surfaces.
