Let The Games Begin

Before you read further, please pause for a moment and consider the discombobulated disconnect of our Nation's approach, guidelines and agreeable methods for dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. The President appointed a medical team task force to study scientific evidence regarding this virus and then ultimately establish protocols for mitigating its spread. The task force did that, the President momentarily joined in concert with the game plan and then suddenly did a 180-degree turn because of the economy ills. Point: The American President called the coronavirus a hoax but has attendees at his rallies sign a waiver exonerating the President should they get infected by a phantom-virus.

Okay, let's fast forward...we are opening our schools if for no other reason but to have a babysitting place to secure kids under adult superivion so mom and dad can go to work. We got all kinds of return to classroom educational learning scenarios. Now when it comes to high school sports, we find everybody scrambling to cover their 'susable asses.' The IHSA recently sent guideline forms to state high schools outlining coaches' responsibilities to monitor and keep student-athletes safe from contracting the virus. Coaches are to check all athletes before all practices and before all games for 'symptoms.' If a athlete has just one symptom they are disqualified from participation and must see their healthcare provider.

Here is that check list: (Athletes are to answer Yes or No)
1) fever/cough/chills/muscle aches
2) sore throat/runny nose/loss taste or smell
3) nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
4) shortness breath/headache
5) close contact w/Covid Person
6) Temperature over 100.4 degrees

Teens will not answer those questions honestly. Does not make teens evil, it makes them teens who see no harm and believe that they are invincible. While coaching basketball at Edwardsville high school in the 1970's, I had a star player breakout with 'Chicken Pox' the morning of a game. He and a friend used talcum powder over exposed body parts to cover up the rash. He played the entire game, took a shower and walked into my office bare-chested showing an unbelievable rash.

So, Illinois is going to attempt opening schools in the fall amidst the pandemic. Lots of luck getting young people who have difficulty understanding the word 'No' to wear a face mask and social distance. They already refuse to put away cell phones during class, take ears buds out or take their cap off in the building.

Two Questions for the high school sport enthusiasts: Can it be rationalized that students wear masks and social distance in classrooms but it will be okay for football players, volleyball players and basketball players discordthe mask and be in extremely close contact? How many parents are going the sign that waiver card during a pandemic?