As these troubling times progress, Philadelphia schools are looking for new ways to conduct their seasons while still keeping their students and staff safe. States with lower coronavirus case numbers, in the yellow or green zones, are allowed to continue sports. According to Montgomery County’s current numbers, Perkiomen Valley School District is all clear to start its winter sports seasons on January 4.
It is highly recommended by the county that sports teams limit the physical closeness and amount of unnecessary touching during games, meets, and practices. Social distancing at all times and mask-wearing are also essential to keeping the teams safe. PV athletes were willing to share their perspectives and experiences from the fall season and during this new type of season.
“Masks had to be worn off the courts at all times, arriving there and leaving as well. Carpooling required the driver and athletes to be wearing a mask inside the car. The very few times that people did not wear masks correctly (usually accidentally), they were informed and fixed it right away,” said Charlotte Hoy, a freshman tennis player. While many sports players do not wear masks while on the field or/ court, they are attempting to social distance to limit their risk a little more.
Some students have been worried about participating in sports due to the risk of COVID transmission.
“I think we did a really good job with safety and kept the players and coaches as safe as possible. I felt safe the whole time and never second-guessed any of the decisions that the school made because they had our best interest in mind,” said Drew Kenworthy, a freshmen football player.
Meanwhile, freshmen are experiencing high school sports for the first time, and while it is not like a usual season, teams are finding ways to have fun while being safe.
“We celebrated being PAC champs outside with a socially distanced bonfire,” said Rebecca Dupre, a freshman cross country runner.
Strong county recommendations, when it comes to sports safety during COVID, will be implemented for as long as Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia area need to recover from this virus.
Photo: Lifetouch