COVID or Coronavirus is leading to cancellations of events all over the country from sports to concerts. Pro football and College Football are trying to figure out a way to play their game. High School Football has to navigate these uncertain times without the millions of dollars the other two posses. So the question is will it be possible to play High School football in the fall or will the Coronavirus lead to its cancellation?
Football is a somewhat unique game when it comes to COVID. There is no easy answer on how to play it with COVID. Unlike other sports like soccer, or baseball, close contact is required in football. Additionally, with football practices are needed. The fact is you can show up tomorrow and attempt to play soccer. You cannot show up tomorrow, though, and play a high school football game with only one or two weeks of practice. This issue makes playing High School football exceedingly different in the time of Coronavirus. So will High School football be able to play and if so how?
There are some simple precautions that could be taken for there to be High School Football in the fall:
1) Every player wears a mask (this one is fairly obvious and goes without saying)
2) Every player must have their temperature taken one hour prior to game time or practice and if it is over 100 degrees they cannot practice or play.
3) At games every player is allowed only one parent and no siblings. This will disperse the crowd and help with distancing.
4) The players must spread out on the bench. Additionally, players on offense should sit in the stands or far away from the game when there is a little chance they will be on the field.
5) Consider staggering practices. Instead of practicing everyone at once, have a specific time: Wide Receiver practice at 1, RB at 2, OL at 3 and so on. Yes, I realize you will have to have team practices but if you have position practices two times a week it will at least lead to a little social distancing.
Again, I think it will be very difficult to play High School football without a confirmed treatment or Vaccine for COVID but there are some precautions one can take in order to play football.