The Covid-19 pandemic has forced many schools to shut down their sports programs for two weeks due to Covid-19 exposure. Many high school athlete’s sports seasons are getting cut short because of the Pandemic. It may not be the safest idea to play sports during this time, but I think students need to play because it helps their mental health and helps keep them busy. 

In sports, there is a lot of close contact between the players – allowing for no social distancing. To add, there are a bunch of different schools coming from different towns and covid rates could be higher in one town than another. 

It is also very hard with this pandemic because most people do not even know they are infected with Covid. Many people, especially high school students, are asymptomatic. They then go home and spread it to their families without even knowing. 

While it is very risky and I don’t know if it is the best idea to play sports during this pandemic, I still think student athletes need to be able to play. Participating in a high school sport keeps students out of trouble, in shape, and helps their mental health. It also helps athletes to make new friends and become closer to their team. 

According to the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine, “Participation in regular physical activity can increase self-esteem and reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activity can help play a role in preventing mental health problems and improve the quality of life of those experiencing them.” 

Personally, it helps my mental health more when I participate in sports. While it can be a little stressful with time management and busy schedules, it is worth it because it is a lot of fun and I get to spend more time with my friends. 

According to American Academy of Pediatrics, “Mentally, youth may experience benefits from the increased socialization with friends and coaches as well as from the return to a more structured routine. These psychological and physical benefits can help support their developmental growth. Exercise also has immune system benefits.”

To ensure sports are being played safely, there are guidelines in place to help schools partaking in sports do it the safest way possible. Some of these guidelines include social distancing, masks being worn when not participating in social activity, and following the contact tracing rules if needed. 

While it may be risky to be playing sports during this time, I think it is really important for student athletes to be able to play. As long as students are following the guidelines for sports and being as safe as possible, I think they should be able to play.