Due to COVID-19, all sporting events, fields, matches, and practices are still canceled or closed. For months San Luis Obispo High School students haven’t been able to watch sports either on the television or in person, nor have people been able to play sports.
This has required people to participate in physical activity individually or engage in sports themed video games.
Unfortunately Wii sports, FIFA 20, and NBA 2k have not been able to fulfill the needs of athletes.
This has led to the reopening of sporting events and for Germany its Bundesliga soccer league has started up again.
The start of the Bundesliga league has set an example for the rest of the world during these times. Players are required to wear masks in locker rooms and while on the pitch. They have also cancelled any team photos and the traditional handshake after playing the match. But for players and fans these precautions are worthwhile as long as these matches can continue.
Sadly SLOHS students won’t get to experience this soon since summer break is next week, and the season for sports would have ended by now, but if next year covid-19 is still a problem then at least we have a start on how we can keep our sports seasons going while still preventing the spread of covid-19. However, is it really worth it for student athletes to have these protocols they must follow in order to play the game?
“Personally, as long as we are able to play during high school season, I don’t really care if we have to wear masks. it’s not ideal, but I could not imagine not getting to play high school soccer. whatever has to be done, i’ll do it,” said sophomore Varsity goalkeeper Riley Wilkerson.
Like the German soccer players, most athletes are dedicated to their sport and want to get back out and play.
For many students, their passion is in sports and they will do anything to get back out onto the pitch
We might just be seeing players in masks next season.