There is no denying that the concerns about COVID-19 are valid.  However, those fears don’t justify cancelling the girls’ high school basketball tournament with only two days remaining, especially given that there are less drastic but equally effective safety precautions available.

The tournament participants should be given a voice in their fates.  If all four programs in any given class are willing to play, three referees are willing to officiate, two scorekeepers are willing to track stats, and one gym is willing to allow the games, they should have the right to finish their quest for the title.  Healthy high school athletes are not a vulnerable population, and the risk of infection during closed games with appropriate pre- and post-game sanitation is almost non-existent.

TSSAA executives should not get to dictate what is in the best interest of these players.  Public safety isn’t their motivation; it’s fear of having their organization publicly criticized.  Don’t let TSSAA take the easy way out.

If they‘re not brave enough to prioritize their athletes, the public will find a way to do it for them.