Okay, I’m confused. If you know me at all, you might be saying that doesn’t take much and you’re probably correct in that assessment. However, I don’t think I’ve been alone here over the last eight plus months since the COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed the lives we once knew before March 12th. Even now as we continue to learn more, there is little consensus as to what path we should collectively take in eradicating this virus from our lives. That’s an argument to take up for another day.
Many of us share frustration in what can be perceived as double standards and inconsistencies to our approach. In Maine, businesses now must close at 9:00 at night. Last I knew, Maine is a pretty sleepy place after 9:00 as most of us are hunkered in for the evening. If this is really about controlling the spread of the virus, I don’t understand how one is of greater risk of transmission once the clock strikes nine.
Why is the capacity of big box stores based on the total square footage of the building yet churches and other gathering spots are limited to fifty people regardless of capacity? Does the virus differentiate between shopping and worship or forms of entertainment?
As we move into the winter months, and hopefully the start of another, albeit markedly different, high school basketball season, other oddities exist. It should be noted, the Maine Principals’ Association as well as individual school athletic administrators have done a phenomenal job in laying the groundwork for a return to sports. The fall season was successful as new norms were adapted to. In fact, during the final soccer game I worked as a timer for John Bapst, the protocols changed at halftime and the participants played the second half wearing masks. Kudos to those who have adapted and who advocate for the student-athletes during these challenging times.
If we indeed have a high school basketball season in 2021, the game will begin with a coin flip to determine opening possession rather than the traditional center circle jump. In conversing with a number of my officiating friends, this eventual possibility has been in discussion prior to the pandemic. To me, it’s like going from starting the game with a grand crescendo to a melodic waltz. We are going to allow players to bang into each other for an hour and a half yet we are concerned about the interaction at center court for a brief few seconds?
It’s been determined that if basketball games are to be played this winter, no fans will be allowed. So basically, it is safer for athletes, who are wearing masks but not socially distanced, to play but it’s unsafe for mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, who can socially distance and wear masks to attend? I’m not suggesting we play to sell-out crowds but many of our gyms are large enough for family members to attend and stay within reasonable social distancing guidelines.
Now, for those of you are might be saying, “Go, get ’em Bob, let ’em have it”, those who think we should have basketball this winter come hell or high water, let’s turn this double standard on its head for a moment. Those of us, from the MPA, to school administrators, to teachers, parents, and followers of these games, firmly believe interscholastic athletics are an extension of the education classroom. If we truly believe that then let me pose this question: How can schools have one set of standards during the eight to two school day, yet have a separate set of guidelines in activities they sponsor after the bell rings?
I completely understand the arguments made in terms of social wellness and concern for our young peoples’ mental health. These are legitimate issues to be addressed and incorporated in formulating balanced policy decisions during this pandemic. My heart breaks for our kids whose identity is found in these pursuits. We can certainly argue and have the discussion as to whether the guidelines in place during school hours are a bit on the excessive side. However, the standards are the standards and likely will be throughout the winter months.
So, how do you go from practicing rigid social distancing from eight to two yet in the same school building allow youngsters to bang bodies for an hour and a half? Regardless of how the game is modified to help meet health guidelines, there is no way to avoid inherent contact and still have some semblance of the game of basketball. Despite the best efforts of those who advocate for our young people, I see the decision to play or not to play boiling down to this unavoidable question. The answer to which does not bode well for basketball this winter.
As we wrap up our Thanksgiving feasts, some food for thought as we conclude the holiday weekend.
