With schools creating as many Coronavirus safety precautions as possible, the risk of catching the virus is not completely wiped away due to the close contact some sports involve. During this COVID-19 era, the way sports are played will likely be changed forever. Below we will briefly mention the sport, the risk level, and why.
Basketball: High Risk Level
School basketball is a sport normally played indoors, which means that the air is ventilated and may not be well filtered. With the rigorous running up and down the court, there is a lot of heavy breathing and close contact to other athletes during almost the entirety of the game. Not much can be done for protective gear during this sport Besides sanitizing the ball every possible chance.
American Football: High Risk Level
American Football is played outside, which is less of a risk than basketball since fresh air is accessible, but this sport requires constant close contact and touch. Protective gear is possible on the helmets for this sport. The ball should be sanitized every time it is not in current play.
Wrestling: High Risk Level
As with Basketball and Football, Wrestling requires close contact creating a high risk for the spread of COVID-19. Not much protective gear can be worn to limit potential exposure to the virus, besides sanitizing the mat often.
Soccer (Football): Medium Risk Level
Compared to the 3 sports mentioned before, Soccer does not come in contact as often. Also, this sport is played by kicking the ball as opposed to touching with your hands, which helps decrease the chances of spreading the virus from hands to face. Contact touch is limited to very short amounts of time and this sport is mainly played on an outdoor field which provides proper access to clean fresh air. The ball should still be sanitized as often as it can during stoppages.
Lacrosse: Medium Risk Level
Lacrosse is played while wearing helmets, which makes protective gear possible. Like Soccer, this sport is played outside with fresh air available and is not in constant contact with other athletes. Also, lacrosse played with athletes physically touching the ball, which helps this sport to be medium as opposed to high risk. The ball should be sanitized as often as possible.
Baseball/Softball: Low Risk Level
These sports are not played with constant contact of another athlete. Athletes are played spread out among a field which provides safe distancing and less chances of physically touching and breathing or sweating on another athlete. Except the athletes on bases, there is slight concern sue to close proximity of another athlete. Athletes time in the dugouts are also cause for concern due to being in close proximity to their teammates, making it possible to spread the virus. Balls and bats should be sanitized as often as possible.
Track & Field/ Cross Country: Low Risk Level
These sports do not come in constant contact with other athletes. While running or performing track events, lanes can be closed to help with distancing the athletes helping to keep them safe. Athletes should avoid running in the air stream of another athlete, to refrain from touching any respiratory droplets.
Volleyball: Low Risk Level
This sport is not played within close contact of the other athletes, since they spread out to protect more ground. Touch between athletes, if any, is very limited and for short periods of time. During game stoppages, the ball would need to be sanitized. This sport can be played inside or outside, for health safety reasons, outside is preferred to have access to fresh air.
Tennis: Low Risk Level
This sport is not played in close proximity of other athletes and it does not require any physical contact. The sport is usually played indoor and outdoor, but for health safety reasons, outside is preferred due to better access to fresh air. Balls should be sanitized when not in current play.
As schools are opening for the new year, you should pay close attention and adhere to any new rules of your sport placed as a precautionary health regulation by the schools faculty. Coaches will be there to help ensure the game takes your health into consideration and should be asked any questions you may have regarding any new rules required to play the sport.
JFV wishes all students the best of luck with all of their academic and sports endeavors.
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