Tag that involves physical contact has been suspended at a west-end Toronto elementary school after a rash of minor injuries.

John Yan, a spokesperson for the Toronto Catholic District School Board, defended the decision after the principal at St. Luke Separate School suspended the childhood pastime out of concern for students.

Yan told CityNews some students had been playing an aggressive form of the game, which included bumping and tackling. That led to a slew of minor injuries including sprains, cuts and bruises. The only serious injury was a hairline fracture.

Yan added that the school, near Ossington Avenue and Dundas Street West, has a small yard, and smaller students were being bowled over.

When CityNews called the school for details, they referred us to the board.

The students are now playing a safer form of the game, using a sponge ball to tag each other.

An existing rule remains in place banning games that involve heavy physical contact, such as tackle football.