As coronavirus cases continue to multiply in the state, why would Missouri forge ahead with high school sports? The Missouri State High School Activities Association had a chance to do the right thing at this pivotal moment and postpone football and other high-risk fall activities, including soccer and volleyball, until the spring.
On Tuesday, MSHSAA’s board of directors approved a plan that will allow high school athletes to participate in extracurricular activities. By refusing to turn off the Friday night lights until the spread of the coronavirus has been slowed, the activities association missed an opportunity to protect the health of young people.
While fall sports will begin in Kansas Aug. 17, more than two dozen other states have delayed the start of fall activities. And at least eight states will not play football this fall out of fear of exposing athletes to COVID-19. The high school football season in neighboring Illinois will run from Feb. 15 to May 1 under a modified schedule.
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