

LET ATHLETES PRACTICE SAFELY in Pennsylvania


LET ATHLETES PRACTICE SAFELY in Pennsylvania
The Issue
Many adults do not understand the impact COVID-19 has had on children, especially those that use sports as an outlet. Many teen athletes are mentally struggling during the PA COVID-19 statewide “stay in, stay safe” order. We understand why we need to stay in. We are not underestimating the severity of COVID-19. But, it is important for our Governor to understand that these kids have done everything he has asked. They have stopped going to school and stayed in. They cannot go to their prom, graduation or partake in activities. They are unable to see their friends and teammates. They cannot have or go to birthday parties. They have lost a full season of a sport that they spent a year training for. Many have transitioned to lonely workouts at home. They struggle with the loss of their favorite thing to do. We keep telling them “just a bit longer, we have to be safe.” But we are at 9 weeks and there is no end in sight.
They are not naive. Many watch the news and see that people can golf, go fishing and boating. Why? We are told it’s good for their mental health. So what should I tell my child when I see them struggling? How can I justify one but not the other?
We want it to be safe. We will work with any guidelines you give. Just give these kids a chance to at least practice.
Give coaches guidelines to work with so these kids can get back to doing the thing they love. Coaches are more than willing to work with small groups, and do whatever needs to be done to let them practice.
as it looks now, these athletes will be at home for months. I don’t think they can handle any more.

The Issue
Many adults do not understand the impact COVID-19 has had on children, especially those that use sports as an outlet. Many teen athletes are mentally struggling during the PA COVID-19 statewide “stay in, stay safe” order. We understand why we need to stay in. We are not underestimating the severity of COVID-19. But, it is important for our Governor to understand that these kids have done everything he has asked. They have stopped going to school and stayed in. They cannot go to their prom, graduation or partake in activities. They are unable to see their friends and teammates. They cannot have or go to birthday parties. They have lost a full season of a sport that they spent a year training for. Many have transitioned to lonely workouts at home. They struggle with the loss of their favorite thing to do. We keep telling them “just a bit longer, we have to be safe.” But we are at 9 weeks and there is no end in sight.
They are not naive. Many watch the news and see that people can golf, go fishing and boating. Why? We are told it’s good for their mental health. So what should I tell my child when I see them struggling? How can I justify one but not the other?
We want it to be safe. We will work with any guidelines you give. Just give these kids a chance to at least practice.
Give coaches guidelines to work with so these kids can get back to doing the thing they love. Coaches are more than willing to work with small groups, and do whatever needs to be done to let them practice.
as it looks now, these athletes will be at home for months. I don’t think they can handle any more.

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Petition created on May 8, 2020
