Comparing sports and school is like comparing apples and oranges; they just aren’t the same thing. Playing sports is a choice; you don’t have to play. Whereas school is not a choice; you have to go. Playing sports during a pandemic may be harmful to a player who catches the virus, but they put themselves at risk when they signed up to play. The coronavirus isn’t the only thing players risk when they play sports. They also risk getting hurt or catching other potentially harmful bacteria, but again they still choose to play. 

With the exception of volleyball, fall sports are also outdoor sports, which means there is more air flow and a less likely chance of contracting the virus both as a fan and a player. Sports also have less players participating than in school; a soccer team has around 30 players, for example, whereas many high schools have more than 1,000 students in the same building. 

A lot of student athletes are depending on sports to get into college. Not everyone has the money to attend college and get a higher education, but with the playing of fall sports, these athletes have a chance. Sports also provide an incentive for struggling students to keep moving forward. To play sports, athletes must meet a required GPA, and without the playing of sports, some students may fail or drop out of high school. 

Sports are more than just a game. They teach teamwork, trust, respect, and dedication, which are all needed for a successful future. Since sports require movement and exercise, they are also great for boosting and stabilizing mental health. 

I hope that in the near future, we can have both sports and in-person school, but for right now sports need play. Go Cards!