This petition is formal acknowledgement that a group of concerned parents, students, teachers, coaches and citizens are making an organized effort to have their voice heard by the South Carolina High School League.  We as a group would strongly support the South Carolina High School Sports League to move forward, as normally as possible, with High School sports in the fall.  This petition will also be sent to SC Governor Henry McMaster’s office as he currently has the power to lift the ban on large gatherings.

First of all, it is important to point out that we are not epidemiologist, statisticians, politicians or media pundits.  We have no political or cultural agenda.  We are, simply, a group of concerned parents and citizens that want what is best for our children.  To our knowledge, there has not been any parental input into decisions being made by the SCHSL.  If most school districts in the state send out a survey to their parents to gauge their opinions on school opening in the fall, then why should it be any different for competitive sports?  From what we have seen in upstate SC, most school districts have a greater than 90% response in favor of “in person” school in the fall.  That number would probably correspond pretty closely to parents and student-athletes that want to play football and other fall sports.  The perfect scenario to stop the spread of the virus would be a vaccine or complete and total quarantine and isolation.  Neither of those concepts are reasonable at this time.  This summer, these student-athletes have been on vacation, socializing with their friends and eating out in restaurants.  Considering the previous statement, eliminating Fall High School Sports is not the “silver bullet” to reduce the spread of the virus.  A common sense based risk management program should be implemented for fall sports.  As with schools reopening, if parents feel that the risk is too great for their child to play sports, then they should have the right to keep their child at home.  Conversely, if parents are willing to accept and manage the risk, these student-athletes should be allowed to play and compete.

High School sports provide an invaluable outlet for all that participate.  The benefits of playing high school sports far outweigh the risks of the virus.  The mental health of student athletes cannot be overlooked.  Were it not for sports, some students might not be as accountable.   An adverse effect on academic performance and behavior problems (in school and out) are potential problems that can arise from not having the ability to participate in High School sports.

We need High School Sports to start in the fall.  If you agree with this, please sign on to this petition and forward to your contacts that are interested.