Team Sports During the Coronavirus Pandemic

When the Coronavirus made its way to the United States in mid-March, it came abruptly without giving the country much time to plan. Schools switched to virtual learning within weeks and with that, spring sports were canceled to minimize the spread. Precautions such as social distancing and wearing masks were recommended in hopes that Covid-19 could be curbed. Now, it’s early September and the coronavirus is as present as ever. However, schools are starting up, many are staying virtual, while others have their students attending in person classes. 

Since schools have found their own ways of holding classes, now comes the question, will there be team sports? In the guidelines recently released by NFHS (The National Federation of State High School) they explain that it is important for the mental and physical well-being of students to return to physical activity and competition. The Federation continues to explain that there will always be a risk of spreading the virus, but there are many ways of decreasing it. They urge everyone to wear a mask, get their temperature checked before games or practices, remain 6 feet apart, and limit the amount of people in an area to 10. Even with these precautions, there is still a risk of a player or coach contracting the virus. If someone contracts the virus, the entire team must quarantine because they were all in close contact with the person. 

When someone is asked to quarantine, the purpose is to help prevent the spread of viruses to anyone else. The CDC says that quarantining is only required for people who were in close contact with a person carrying the Coronavirus. They define close contact as being within 6 feet of someone, having direct contact with them, sharing food or drinks, and getting someone else’s “respiratory droplets” on you.  In the case that a player is diagnosed with the virus, the team, as well as the coaches, are required to quarantine. With that in mind, why are only players required to quarantine and not other students? Students who attend in-person school and participate in school sports come into close contact with both their teammates and peers. This creates a chain of people who could have been exposed. 

Maintaining students and teachers health is the number one priority of schools this year. Although most schools want to stay open for in person classes as long as they can, they have to keep everyone's best interests in mind. Teams that travel and come back to attend in-person school create a huge risk for the school to remain open for as long as they can. Schools understand the risks, and most are willing to take a chance as long as it means that fall sports get to have a season. Through sports, student athletes have a place to just forget their problems and enjoy doing something they love and during a Pandemic, this escape is needed more than ever. 

By Caroline Cranman