Editorial: We all are making sacrifices in today’s time for others
Monday night, New Kent and Charles City High School returned sports teams to the floor for the first time in nine months. It was pleasant to see student-athletes get the opportunity to compete in the environment. But it also served as a stern reminder the sacrifices everyone must make in an effort to make these moments possible.
Those who were able to view the game on social media saw the numerous precautions taken by New Kent’s Administration and Athletic staff. Socially distanced benches, hand sanitizer, wiping down basketballs, and transitioning between games, that sight will become the norm for the next month at the very least.
Other sacrifices are being made by all parties. Parents are being forced to watch their child from home due to restrictions on the number of people who can be in attendance, whether it’s from the state or local level. Coaches must adjust to limited contact practices and continue to track the interactions of their student-athletes. Even unexpected issues such as internet connectivity for streaming can be an issue for some. But in the end, we are all making a sacrifice.
As an athletic director, I get asked several questions a day when it comes to how we are conducting sports. Why are we doing it? What precautions we take? Why can’t parents be in the stands? Are you streaming the games? Trust me, it’s a lot that I think about everyday and have to respond to as well.
As a supporter of student-athletes, I understand that parents want to be in the stand and support their child. I know fans want to return to an atmosphere to root for their favorite team. If you don’t believe me, New Kent’s broadcast of the boys’ basketball game against Charles City garnered more than 2,000 views as of this editorial. If a broadcast can do that, imagine when people return to the stands.
There will be uncertainties that continue to remain as we all navigate through this pandemic. We all have to make sacrifices and choices that we probably don’t want to. However, if last night is any indication, the effort is being made to try and return things to as normal as possible. Patience and time will be needed. More importantly, understanding that the thoughts of the public do not fall on deaf ears. In fact, they are being listened to more than ever. Make sure that when you do speak, it’s from a point where you can see tough decisions are being made while accommodating others.