Opinion: Random musings
No doubt, by now, many are wondering what is going on in the sports world, especially school sports. Some are playing. Some are not. The COVID world has really messed with normal these days. There are many states that have cancelled high school sports for the first semester as well as colleges. Texas, to date, for the most part is not one of them. The ruling body (UIL) for the public schools put in some variations that, for me, have remained somewhat strange. The schools in 4A and under, with some stipulations, were allowed to begin their seasons as usual in August, while the 5A and 6A schools were delayed a month until September.
If it was to learn how the COVID rules were going to be executed by everyone, then all they had to do was check out the youth sports in the summer. When one witnessed pictures of those events, it was obvious many were not going to go along with masks and social distancing for the sake of safety over money. So, there should have been little surprise to see all the violations on the first football and volleyball games. Although the UIL requires only 50% capacity for spectators, masks and social distancing, it was not happening. A picture in the American-Statesman of the Burnet stands reveals a packed crowd and very few masks. Of course, the UIL jumped on this immediately and let the schools know if the rules were not going to be followed, there would be some repercussions that could be serious, which could include school punishments, canceling the season or having no fans at the games.
One would think it odd behavior to hear the many that moaned for months about bringing back sports, and then doing everything in their power to endanger the athlete's health and seasons by ignoring the rules of safety. It just does not make sense. The blustering attitude, ‘they have rights’ and ‘no one can tell them what to do,’ shows a whole lot of selfishness for the health and welfare of others. Afterall, the Supreme Court has already ruled that we do not have absolute rights to threaten the health and safety of others. Remember the yelling of “Fire” in a theater ruling? They like to point out the high percentage of recovery and low deaths. Just ask the over 189,000 that have died or the others that took over 100 days to recover. How do they like those percentages? You know, there are also good odds while playing Russian Roulette. Odds are always great until they affect you. It is like the saying “It is only a MINOR operation when it is happening to someone else.” The main worry I have about the health of our athletes and other young people is the unknown long-term effects that come with getting the virus. Studies have begun to show many athletes that have contracted the disease and recovered, have already suffered inflammation of the heart muscles which could carry over into lifetime health issues. There is always the example of remembering the ordeal the Vietnam soldiers endured with Agent Orange. No one knew at the time. The major problem continues to be the lack of patience exhibited by many in waiting out the storm. Medical miracles have always taken the element of time and this one appears to do just that as well. The vaccine cure will come in due course. That, we can hang our hat on. Until then, each of us has to follow the advice of those who know more than we do in this area, and hold the problem at bay with acceptable methods until the calvary can get there. In the meantime, we have time to discover so much more about the positives of life and should take advantage of that.
Dripping Springs is getting ready for the start of the fall sports. Virtual classes have been going on for a few weeks and inclass learning for those that choose to do so, will begin September 14. Last Monday (September 7) was the first day of competition for Cross Country, Tennis and Volleyball. Cross Country will host their annual opening meet at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park Saturday. Tennis and volleyball hit the ground running on Monday. The first football game will be against Kerrville Tivy on September 25 at home. As mentioned before, the UIL has COVID rules for all schools to follow. One needs to check the school website for these and any changes that have been made. For example, no reserved seats at the stadium this year.