I think calling them by a different name doesn't mean they still aren't a paddle. It's a part of a traditional Greek system - even my backwards campus had them!
My paddle is proudly hanging above my dresser right next to my composite and some other Gamma Phi goodies.
As for people getting wacked with them, we'd never actually paddle somebody. When we presented them we'd occasionally give each other a little tap, but that was in FUN. I'm glad our IHQ hasn't gotten so uptight as to not let us goof around occasionally.