Isabella Montenegro
Staff Writer
There is a concern on whether it is the right decision to allow MCHS sports to start competitive games and practices while there is an ongoing global pandemic. Since COVID-19 cases are decreasing tremendously, according to the New York Times it is safe to have sports return to play.
COVID-19 has not been wiped out completely from our daily lives but from March 2020 to March 2021 the spread of the virus has decreased. In 2020, cases were in the 10,000 range weekly and now it has decreased to the 1,000 range weekly.
Having sports return this spring is the best choice for multiple reasons. The major concern that prohibited athletes from playing their sport was that it was not safe to conduct training and games safely. From March 2021 until now, cases have gone down tremendously and it is finally safe to have some type of contact.
Another reason why it is safe to have sports return is that administration and coaching staff have had enough time to plan and coordinate safe training. To be more specific, coaches have found what works best for their athletes that will have them benefit the most while keeping everyone safe.
Many parents have been eager to have their athletes return to their sports for various reasons. One reason is that sports aid students in good mental health, according to Cincinnati.com. Students were asked to transition to online learning in such a short period of time therefore distance learning has not been perfected. Schools were asking a lot from students while cancelling all sports. It did not allow them time to release their stress and emotions out during physical activity.
Through a time of such uncertainty, administration is trying their hardest to keep some type of structure throughout their students’ lives. By having sports return and having a steady consistency of practices and games will enhance a bit of structure which is what needs to be implemented in students’ lives during this time.
One may argue that one should not put either themselves or their child’s life at risk for the expense of school sports. Although these people are looking out for others and their own lives and trying to be safe, they do not see the damage the pandemic is doing to their children who are athletes. Yes, it is smart to be safe and follow all the guidelines, but when will this pandemic be out of our lives for good is unknown. Therefore, one should take what one can through the appropriate guidelines and such.
As MCHS sports are returning it is in the right direction and right pathway because it is safe enough to attend practices and participate in games. During these times student-athletes need physical activity the most and having sports will benefit them to the max.
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