Lay Off The Locals

I felt sorry for Fairfield Community High Athletic Director Bobby Wells over the weekend.

Wells was the messenger who passed on alterations to the Illinois High School Association’s guidelines concerning athletic activities. The modifications place greater restrictions on coaches and student-athletes in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In a nutshell, no contact and athletes must wear masks today as they return to activities after taking a few days off due to a positive test.

There are some concerned parents. I understand. I also think they need to cut Wells some slack. He’s just the messenger. This is coming down from the state.

I played football….and yes….I wore a helmet but never a mask. This new guideline would concern me too. It will feel like 100-degrees over the next several weeks. It was hard enough to get air when you were practicing in this type of weather or in a hot gym. I have difficulty having a mask on for a hour of church. I can’t imagine wearing one in sports.

It makes you wonder just how fall sports are going to be allowed to happen. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Governor got involved. If numbers spiked in August, you know he will intercede.

I don’t want to think about fall without sports in our region. I don’t want to think about the seniors who have worked for this moment.

…and I don’t want to see local school administrators beat up for following state marching orders.