I am Ryan Given, your average high school student asking for change. California Colleges have already decided to end the Fall 2020 sports season, and based on patterns of past events, high school football is not too far behind. The reason for this petition is to ensure that there will be a season for high school sports, especially for the incoming Seniors. This will be their last opportunity and the most crucial year to shape their character, build on the skills and have potential chance to earn a future place in college sports.  For those not planning to go on to college sports, this might be their last year of playing for a formal team sport.

My brother and I both participate in high school football and wrestling, which are both potential fall sports that could be impacted.  My brother Brenden will be a Senior this fall, and I know how really important this season is to him and the impact it will have on his life. Being part of the football team helped him build higher confidence and stronger leadership skills. He and I both consider these skills important whether, or not we pursue football later in life. If he doesn't play football next season, and even misses school for half a semester, it will have enormous negative effect on him and many others. Playing high school sports is an important part of shaping who they are. He is only one of thousands of incoming seniors, trying their best to grow up and become an independent person in this ever changing society.

After talking to many other students, from my school and others, we all want the assurance that the sports will continue in high school in the Fall 2020 semester. Being part of the team, especially in football, makes you part of something bigger, gives you purpose and focus, and creates lifelong friendship and healthy mental attitude. Trust me, by the end of the season of football, you are a whole different person, whether you're on the field or in the bleachers supporting your friends and family. Joining the team my freshman year helped meet new friends that I would have not known otherwise; it helped me to learn to prioritize my time so I can be both successful academically (I am a straight A student) and on the field. And that is just a start. Sports are important for us. I am asking you to sign this petition, your signature would be one of many that I then hope will be seen by the governor and senators. I would like to reach out to the California Interscholastic Federation.