Should Sports Be Allowed During a Pandemic?

Covid-19 has affected every aspect of high school sports, from when they are played to how they are played. But the biggest effect of the pandemic is not on the sport, but on the athletes themselves.

Since Covid-19 hit, high school sports have changed drastically. They are limited to just a few spectators, sports are played out of their regular season, and players must wear masks during practices, and in some sports, during games. All of this leads to a question: Should sports even be allowed to be played during these times?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided some reassurance on this matter. They have provided reassurance by making a game plan to reduce risk and telling you how to take the steps to protect yourself and others from the virus. “There is an increased risk of COVID-19 spread while playing team sports. There are ways to reduce this risk” said the CDC.

“Limited spectators is completely understandable due to the pandemic, but it does change the game,” said senior Caroline McCall, who plays field hockey and lacrosse. Without spectators, players lose a substantial form of encouragement and motivation. “We players love having fans in the stands cheering us on and this affects our mindset during the game,” said McCall.

Sports like football, field hockey, cross country, volleyball, and golf are being played in the middle of February and ending in April, when they are usually played in August through late October. These cold temperatures are definitely a change for the athletes because they are used to warm temperatures. “I am playing field hockey now in 30-degree weather versus 80-degree weather,” said McCall.

“COVID has impacted sports by not being able to have our teammates close because of social distancing,” said freshman Finely Eichler who plays field hockey. Communication is huge in sports and although athletes aren’t lacking communication, the way they communicate has had to change too. “We need to have communication because us teenagers need socialization at this point in our life,” said Eichler.

COVID has had a significant impact on some sports more than others. “COVID has affected the sports with more contact more than the sports with not as much contact,” said sophomore Kimberly Bond who runs indoor and outdoor track. Sports like basketball, wrestling, football, lacrosse, field hockey, and soccer all have very close contact. This is another big reason why some people question if sports should be allowed. “Some sports have to be modified to safely increase distance and this affects the athletes and the sport,” said Bond. The result, said Eichler, is that “not everyone gets a chance to play because of the guidelines we are required to follow.”

One positive note is that there have been very few outbreaks throughout the winter season. “For something on our part [due to Covid-related issues at FCHS, none, we lost no events. For other schools having to cancel or postpone, [we lost] two girls basketball, two boys basketball games,” said FCHS Athletic Director Scott Morris.

Despite these questions, the athletes themselves appear to be thrilled to have the opportunity to play. “I am just so thankful to be able to play sports at all,” said McCall. “If we stay following the guidelines we should be safe and able to play,” said Eichler.