by Stephanie Chandler

Created on: May 30, 2009   Last Updated: June 09, 2009

The subject of Lawn Dart safety tips is an oxymoron. Safety tip is about the exact opposite of the heavy, metal, rounded tip of a lawn dart. Just the mention of lawn darts can bring a look of fear into a parent's eye. This supposedly family friendly game, first introduced in the 1950's, was finally banned in 1988, after several children died and countless others went to the emergency room while enjoying this game. Whoever thought that flinging a heavy, twelve inch, metal dart into the air at a target, hopefully not a moving target, would be a great family pastime certainly didn't think ahead to what could happen. However, if you stumble upon a set, or find an old one in the attic and want to take it out and dust it off, please follow the following safety tips to avoid turning your backyard game into a trip to the hospital.

Do not leave children unattended. This game is best played with adults only, although keep in mind there are some adults not mature enough to handle a weapon as a backyard toy.

Play in a wide open space with plenty of room. There should be no fences, where a dart can find its way into another yard and no other obstacles such as trees, where a dart could get lodged. There has been an instance where a dart was lodged in a tree and when the player went to find it, it became dislodged only to find a new target, the player standing under the tree.

Do not play under the influence. Just as a car can become a deadly weapon when the driver is impaired, so can a lawn dart. If your vision is blurred it is harder to aim and actually hit the intended target instead of Aunt Sally.

Do not play in teams on opposite targets. Typically the teams would stand at the targets, and throw their darts toward the target opposite them. However, this greatly increases the chances of someone on the other team getting impaled. If all players stand on one side and shoot to the same target, there should be no one in the way of a throw.

Select one person to referee the game. This person should be impartial and stand at a safe distance on the side lines. This person is responsible for assuring that all darts are thrown before any players go to the target to retrieve their darts. They should also be responsible for making sure the next rule is followed.

Do not horseplay. Yes, this game is a spinoff of horseshoes, but playing lawn darts requires complete attention and concentration. Just as you would not horse around while at a shooting range, the same applies here, because a lawn dart can be a weapon.

Keep pets inside during play. Although all players may be paying careful attention, the family pet will think nothing of chasing that squirrel right into the line of a throw. It would not be good for anyone's psyche to see Lassie or Spot skewered on a dart.

The most important safety tip; do not play traditional lawn darts, or Jarts. Although the game was banned, there are a few websites out there selling Jarts. However, there are many other alternatives to this lawn game, including horseshoes or a bean bag toss that play on the same premise and offer just as much fun.

If the desire to throw a foot-long javelin soaring through the air is just too strong, there are safety darts available. These safety darts are made of plastic and will not penetrate the ground upon landing; however this is a small price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing they will also not penetrate your child's, neighbor's or friend's head.

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