NEW YORK (AP) – To the list of officially sanctioned New York City high school sports, add double dutch – the urban pastime in which competitors jump between two ropes twirled eggbeater-style.

Double dutch will be a spring sport this coming school year, once basketball season is over and there is space in the gyms.

School officials say the introduction of double dutch to the calendar should get hundreds of students participating in an enjoyable aerobic activity.

“We’re always thinking, ‘What do we need to do to get more kids playing?”‘ said Eric Goldstein, chief executive of the Public School Athletic League.