Parents push for athletic pods
All across America, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected various aspects of student life from club activities to sports, leaving many wondering when they would be able to continue the activities they love. As schools begin to consider reopening timelines, many parents have begun to express their interest in starting athletic training pods for fall athletes.
As of Oct. 27, Alameda County has reached its third week in the orange tier, which permits new reopenings with appropriate modifications. Many schools in districts around the Bay Area have also begun to organize training pods for small groups of athletes to restrict the spread of COVID-19.
“I like the idea of athletic pods. The opportunity for our student-athletes to get a chance to condition and train with one another will be great,” said Athletic Director Christopher Fortenberry.
CVHS parent Kathy Thompson has been spearheading the effort to get CVUSD to consider the training pods to allow students to be able to participate in sports on campus.
“My intent was not to bring back competitive athletic which hasn’t been allowed, but athletic training pods which are allowed and can be done safely outdoors,” said Thompson.
Thompson sent out surveys asking other parents of athletes whether or not they would be interested in allowing their students to participate in sport pods if the school allowed it. Out of 168 responses, about 97 percent indicated that they supported the idea of CVHS starting athletic training pods.
Virtual learning has caused concerns among parents about the mental and physical well-being of their children. The limited interactions between students and lack of activities are challenging. For many student-athletes, playing sports has become a large part of their identity and their time spent with their teams has created tight-knit relationships with teammates.
“Between class and homework, it feels like I’m staring at a computer screen for up to ten hours,” said senior Colin Thompson. “Sport pods would give me something to do outside.”
Additionally, student-athletes have the opportunity to be recruited by colleges through various scholarships. The lack of sports has made the recruitment process more difficult because some are not able to wholly provide the data and statistics necessary without having the coaches taping them on the field.
While most parents are on board with the ideas of training pods, some are worried about the possibility of their children contracting the coronavirus.
“Participation should be voluntary,” Thompson emphasized. “It’s going to be a personal decision based on their family health and living situation, whether or not they really want to allow their students to participate.”
CVUSD has already begun considering starting athletic training pods at CVHS and hopes to begin them on Nov. 9.
“I recognize the importance of providing every possible avenue for students to stay connected and healthy during these challenging times,” said Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi.
I understand sports are a big part of some peoples lives, that is where their friends are and how they get to destress. But I also worry that many will not wear their masks properly aiding in the spread of the virus. But I guess as long as they are following the guidelines and it is outside there is less of a reason to worry.
I think sport pods is a great way for our students to reunite with their teammates and get out the house. Many of us have been deprived of each other’s company so it really brought joy to my heart when I heard pods were starting. So far it has been great and coaches have taken great covid protocols such as making sure we keep our distance, and wearing masks.
Sports Pods are a good idea. It can help us go outside and have some fresh air as well as exercise. It’s good for the athletes to train/practice for the next season as well as following the safety protocols.
Having the opportunity to do something you love, get the necessary exercise in, get that time outdoors, and getting the opportunity for a scholarship is important. Sports however right now are dangerous especially if the student participating brings the virus home to vulnerable family members. However this this idea of pods sound interesting although I didn’t read much about it on the article, what it sounds like is small groups of students doing some sort of exercises. And as said before exercise is very important so this sounds like a good resort from sports. Although I don’t think it solves the problem of scholarships, it allows the students some form of what they enjoy doing. I also miss sports but we must stay safe.
I agree with this, sport pods seem like a good idea. It allows kids to go out and exercise instead of being stuck indoors all the time. As long as the group isn’t too big and they do it safely, I think it would be fine.
This seems like a good idea and it will let kids get more active but I also see the concerns from the parents point of view because it does also put their kid at a higher risk to get the virus along with the rest of their family.
I am really excited that the pods are opening up because sports are a big part of a lot of students lives and its nice to be able to get back after not being able to do sports for around 6 months. I agree that the safety procedures need to come into place which is why the pods or small groups would work. I agree with the parents, I feel like students should have the opportunity to return and get back in shape after all these months. This also take our minds off school. For some, online school is super overwhelming and these pods could be a good release of stress or just something to do to take their minds off school.
I think that sport pods seem like a really good idea because it gives kids a chance to get out and get exercise after being home all the time. I also understand the parents concerns about contracting the virus, but if the sport pods stay small, I think that the chance of that will be low.
Sports training pods seems like a good idea if people can choose to participate or not. I also think it is important that they are able to do these things while either wearing masks or staying distanced and outside only. I know lots of colleges have done this so their athletes can stay in shape, and it has worked ok.
I agree with the parents as well, since many restaurants, malls, gyms, etc. Our school should start allowing athletes to practice and train for the upcoming season, it’s important for student-athletes to get used to that team “atmosphere” in order to get better and compete. But of course, safety guidelines should be followed.
I agree that we need to try to push for our students to get back into sports and extracurricular activities, but, I want to make certain that everyone stays safe and practices social distancing to stop the spread of the virus.
this idea to being pods to help us athletics start our season and also get out of the house is a great idea. Because for many of us sports is our whole life and for that to be taken this year was horrible so to be able to bring it back and do it safely is a geta idea to get us back in shape for our season and reconnect with out teammates.
I think it is important for teams to start practicing and improving their skills but precaution needs to be taken so people aren’t put at risk. I think this would ultimately result in practices that are different from what people are used to especially for contact sports.
I agree it’s important that kids get to go back outside and do something they enjoy and it’s also important to do it in a safe way.
I really like the picture, I think that it is very well set up. I also think this topic is important because a lot of people are definitely waiting anxiously for sports to start up again, as safely as possible of course. Great article!
I agree with these parents, it’s important that athletes have the opportunity to start practicing and getting better together. Of course, while following safety guidelines.