The use of corporal punishment is prohibited in Seattle Public Schools. Corporal punishment is defined as any act that willfully inflicts or willfully causes the infliction of physical pain on a student. 

Corporal punishment does not include: 

1. The use of reasonable physical force by an administrator, teacher, other school employee or volunteer as necessary to maintain order to prevent a student from harming him/herself, other students, school staff, other persons, or property; 
2. Physical pain or discomfort resulting from or caused by training for or participation in athletic competition or recreational activity voluntarily engaged in by a student; or 
3. Physical exertion shared by all students in a teacher directed class activity, which may include, but is not limited to, physical education exercises, field trips or vocational education projects.