How the heck do I get out of this?

[Deleted]

So, I work in an office with a bunch of children. Not really, but sometimes it feels like it. We have a 'fun committee' that comes up with quarterly 'bonding' events for our department to do. Well, this committee is made up of all guys that love sports and physical stuff and things that I'm just not into. 

Want to know what we're doing next Friday? Ice Blocking. Don't know what ice blocking is? Here, have a video: 


My BIL has actually broken bones doing this. The church out here has actually forbidden it because so many kids have gotten hurt doing it (I think ice blocking is a Mormon/Utah thing) I'm not a physical person and I really hate this kind of stuff. If I say I don't want to do it, I'm met with all kinds of 'aw! C'mon!' But this stuff gives me anxiety for some reason and I just really don't want to do it. I should just be an adult and say "Nope. Don't want to do it." Right?


I really don't know what I'm looking for...just validation that it's okay not to want to slide down a hill on a block of ice I guess?

[Deleted]

Go and just sit the ice blocking out. I wouldn't do it! But you can do the food and socializing and stuff right?

[beautifulfields12]

Just say, " No thanks! But I can be the cheerleader...or the person who calls 911."

[mrsjuleshs]

I can't believe the company would even allow employees to do this on the clock since it could be a HUGE liability for them if someone gets hurt. They need to pick something a bit less dangerous.

[sake]

on wednesday you start limping, or possibly complaining about a neck/back issue that you're having. Oh Thursday, you talk about it some more. On Friday, you're SO SORRY, but you just can't participate b/c of your hurt leg/back/neck.

[Deleted]

"no, thank you."


VOILA.

[vanillacourage]

"Sorry, not my cup of tea.  I'm happy to coordinate the drinks/snacks/whatever though"

ETA - that doesn't even look like much fun.  Woooooo, frozen butt sliding down a hill 5 mph with feet bumping all the way?

[speckledfrog]

Is it mandatory? Can't you just be like, "No. I am not going to do that."

[Deleted]

Jun 4, 2013 13:11:50 GMT -5 puddleofgrace said:

Jun 4, 2013 13:11:03 GMT -5 cville said:

"no, thank you."


VOILA.

Oh sure, take the easy way out. Pffft.

you could also alert in house counsel, casually, that this has been suggested.  they may be inclined to want to avoid, you know, potential company-ending liability.


but otherwise, i'd just say no thanks, you guys have fun!  you don't need an excuse. 

[fuckyourcouch]

my suggestion:

[ECB]

Simple answer - yeah, just say "no thanks. Not interested".  If you're truly concerned, then I would perhaps mention to someone "in the know" that perhaps they should rethink this.  Lawsuits and all that.

[Deleted]

Jun 4, 2013 13:11:03 GMT -5 cville said:

"no, thank you."


VOILA.

I am terrible at saying no and can't handle peer pressure! I need to grow a pair and stand up for myself, obvs. 

mrsjuleshs, yeah these are the same people that took us to a trampoline place where a manager proceeded to break his ankle. 

[Kit]

I'm surprised they're even permitting this. It sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen.

I would just say no thanks, you'd rather not participate. They cannot force you.

[sugarbear]

"I've got a bad back."

[Deleted]

Jun 4, 2013 13:14:51 GMT -5 fuckyourcouch said:

my suggestion:

:Y:

I think we get away with these things because HQ (and our entire HR staff) is across the country and we're a tiny branch office filled with 20-somethings. Seriously, the oldest guy here is like late 30s and the rest of us are 20s. 

Alright, so just saying 'no thanks, I don't wanna die' is acceptable. Thank you for the validation!

[tacokick]

Ice Blocking is what happens when a large segment of the population isn't allowed to drink. Things get wacky. I'd just say you aren't comfortable and keep time or whatever. Or wear a skirt and say you " forgot" and can't do it without flashing people.

[Deleted]

Jun 4, 2013 13:17:19 GMT -5 nicbreeful said:

Man.. People in Utah need more things to do.

This is what happens when you can't use alcohol to make things fun.   

[Deleted]

Jun 4, 2013 13:20:54 GMT -5 tators said:

Jun 4, 2013 13:17:19 GMT -5 nicbreeful said:

Man.. People in Utah need more things to do.

DISAGREE!! I did this is HS a lot and it is a lot of fun!! Like sledding only in the summer!

Yes. In High School. NOT as an adult with people you work with. Biiiiig difference.

[MWOS]

Wait, people do this SOBER?!

[Deleted]

Jun 4, 2013 13:30:44 GMT -5 MWOS said:

Wait, people do this SOBER?!

Yep. 

[MWOS]

Jun 4, 2013 13:32:17 GMT -5 tators said:

Jun 4, 2013 13:30:44 GMT -5 MWOS said:

Wait, people do this SOBER?!

COME VISIT AND WE CAN DO IT DRUNK!!! YAY

Just lemme get my series of surgeries scheduled and I'll be right there!

Times like these are when having an incurable genetic disorder comes in reaaaaaaaaal handy

[snickers]

Just say no, No means no!!
No way in hell would I be doing that. I am surprised a workplace is allowing that to be a workplace activity to be honest.

[wise_rita]

Jun 4, 2013 13:14:51 GMT -5 fuckyourcouch said:

my suggestion:

Damn you, fuckyourcouch, I saw this on the bus and LOL'd for real.  I had to scroll past without reading because I couldn't stop.  

This activity looks exceedingly lame, because you'd just fall off the ice and onto the grass immediatey.  There was 1 person who had a decent pace going in that whole video.  Snooze.

[Deleted]

That committee should be fired for stupidity.

Are they drunk fraternity brothers? Bc I'd expect to see something like that on Animal house. Not a company event.

This is an epically bad idea

E
P
I
C

[Deleted]

I'd just say "no thanks" and then high tail it to someone with a functioning brain that if the company doesn't want to be bankrupted by injury claims, they *might* want to nip this in the bud.

[lolly]

Is your boss Michael Scott? This sounds like an episode of The Office.