The CDC has issued new guidelines for the return of youth sports, and after careful consideration, we have decided to sit this season out.
As summer unfolds in Maine, my children are eager to reconnect with their friends after months of isolation. My son has been longing to attend his favorite soccer camp, while my daughter dreams of playing lacrosse and celebrating with her teammates. Like many other families, we were all looking forward to the joy of outdoor play—it’s one of the highlights of our spring.
With restrictions starting to lift, the governor recently announced that gatherings of up to 50 people are now permitted. Restaurants are set to reopen for dine-in services soon, and I can feel my kids’ pent-up energy bubbling over. However, despite the excitement, I believe we are not yet ready to dive back into organized sports. The thought of keeping my children socially distanced while they engage in sports feels like an impossible task, so we will be opting out this year.
My children have often labeled me as overly cautious, and while I recognize they have a point, this is not the time for me to change my approach. I need assurance that my kids can play safely. With no available tests before events, no vaccine for COVID-19, and ongoing uncertainties surrounding conditions like MIS-C, I cannot risk their health or the health of others prematurely.
The Challenges of Returning to Sports
These are challenging times for everyone involved—kids, coaches, volunteers, and spectators alike. It’s a daunting task to expect young children to stay close to their parents, wear masks, and refrain from interacting with peers. The thought of my child getting too close to others or forgetting to stay apart is stressful.
Watching my kids play from a distance, hoping they avoid any contact with infected individuals, seems overwhelming. Is it truly worth the risk? Schools and businesses have been closed for a reason, and the idea of jumping back into sports doesn’t feel secure to me at this moment.
The CDC indicates that each community must tailor its approach based on local needs and circumstances. They note that team practices and competitions can heighten the risk of spreading COVID-19. This places immense pressure on children who are likely to forget social distancing rules in the heat of the moment, wanting to hug their friends, share drinks, and use the same equipment.
The CDC also suggests that everyone should wear masks and maintain distance while playing, which feels counterproductive to the nature of team sports. It’s hard to envision children comfortably wearing masks in the summer heat or remembering to keep their distance while sitting on the sidelines.
Moreover, the availability of handwashing stations is quite limited at most sports facilities, and the risk of transmission indoors is notably higher. Personally, I would be too anxious about the risks of COVID-19 to enjoy the game, and I know many parents share these concerns, especially those committed to protecting vulnerable populations and healthcare workers.
I question whether children could truly enjoy themselves with the stringent rules they would need to follow. For kids who naturally feel anxious in new situations, the additional pressures might be overwhelming.
Making the Tough Decision
Choosing to forgo organized sports for one summer is a small price to pay to help flatten the COVID-19 curve. It may not be the ideal scenario, and it is indeed disappointing, but the hope is that a vaccine will be available soon, allowing life to return to a semblance of normalcy. Until that day comes, I refuse to risk my child’s health for a fleeting moment of play.
Youth sports are significant for our children and communities, but right now, they take a backseat to the priority of stopping the spread of COVID-19.
In summary, while the desire for youth sports is strong, the health and safety of our children and the community must come first. Our decision to opt-out this year is based on a careful evaluation of risks and concerns surrounding the ongoing pandemic.