Should Students Play Sports During a Pandemic?

Sports are a huge part of people’s lives, but even though sports are a passion for some, should they really be played during a pandemic?

Rachel Miller, Paw Print Reporter|April 23, 2021

With COVID-19 being all around the world, life has changed drastically for everyone; especially those athletes who play sports. Some wondered, am I even allowed to play?

To answer that question, yes, no, and yes but with masks. State governments have determined whether sports are high, moderate, or low risk for COVID-19. Depending on your state and city, you may or may not have been able to play your sport or had to play your sport with an added mask for extra protection depending on the risk level of the sport. 

In Connecticut, the higher risk sports include  wrestling, 11-on-11 football, and competitive cheer dance. These sports couldn’t play this sports season. Moderate risk sports include basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, water polo, gymnastics, ice hockey, field hockey, tennis, swimming relays, pole vault, high jump, long jump, lacrosse, rowing/crew, and 7-on-7 football. If any of the moderate sports were inside, players needed to wear a mask while playing and if the sport was outside players had to wear a mask on the bench but not on the field playing. Lastly, low risk sports that don’t require a mask are individual running events, throwing events, running, swimming, golf, weightlifting, alpine skiing /snowboarding, sideline cheer, rowing/crew, and cross country.

Student athlete Chloe Zako 23’ says, “Yes students should play sports during the pandemic. Many students are already struggling with staying at home all day and not being able to see their peers. Having something to escape to, helps many students not only with their school but with their life overall.” Zako continues, “Even though there is a pandemic, many precautions are taken. it’s a lot of students last year playing the sport so why should we take that opportunity away from them?”

Sports are a big part of kids’ lives and as long as everyone is being safe, sports at moderate and low risks should be allowed to be played. If you want to read more about Norwalk High School sports go to https://nhsbearsden.com/category/bear-country-sports-network/ Go Bears!