Central Keeps Sports Safe and Fun

Courtesy of Conroe Courier

All non-contact fall sports have been allowed to play this year, although with significant adjustments.

With school starting once again and high school sports returning, many student athletes might be hesitant to rejoin their school sports team due to concerns over COVID-19.  

Central is ensuring that students are safe while still enjoying the sports they love. Sports are going to be split into contact and non-contact days with indoor and outdoor days being scheduled separately. Masks will be required unless the students are social distancing outdoors or on a water break. Students who do contract COVID-19 while on the team will be quarantined and not allowed back until cleared by a medical professional, and contact tracing measures will be put into place to find out the extent of the spread.

“The Hinsdale Central athletic department stated that they will do their best to make sure that the coaches and students will be safe,” said Mr. Colin Doyle, Central basketball and baseball coach. “We are only able to follow the guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) as the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) deferred to the IDPH, Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and Governor’s Office on July 14. In the end, it is a team effort on all ends. In order to keep playing the sports they love, students have to adhere to the guidelines.”

The Girls’ Varsity golf team was one of a select few teams that were able to participate this fall. (Courtesy of 8to18)

Many students are worried about COVID-19 but are willing to go out there and participate in their sports. 

“I am excited for football to start back and I won’t let COVID-19 affect my sport but I am willing to adhere to the restrictions if I do get COVID-19,” said Charles Black, defensive end of the football team and junior. 

There are some students who are still unsure of joining their sports knowing they have a chance of contracting COVID-19. 

“I would be fine with joining the baseball team as long as I know we are social distancing and are strict on the guidelines,” said Justin Paluch, varsity baseball pitcher and junior.

Interscholastic competition has not yet been decided for all sports but it has been stated that all schools must follow IDPH guidelines. That way, it will still be safe to participate even if teams are participating in interscholastic competition. The contact and no-contact days will be set to be as safe as possible.

If you have any more questions you can find some additional information on the Hinsdale central homepage athletic website or the 8to18 athletic website.