COVID Changed the Game

I am NOT a COVID-19 expert in any way, but I know everyone is experiencing their own crazy COVID reality. The virus has created a whole new set of challenges for the world of youth sports. Every state or even community has their own guidelines on how to handle sports in their area during the pandemic. The current increase of COVID-19 cases has lead to more and more youth sports activities being cancelled throughout the United States. With winter comes indoor activities and the probability of spread increases for participants and spectators. The roller coaster of being able to practice then being told you cannot is hard on everyone. As parents and coaches, we understand the need for our kids to keep playing, but also feel the anxiety associated with sending our kids into a potentially risky situation. Coaches and club sports owners are torn because they need kids to keep their programs running, but the thought of an athlete contracting COVID-19 in their establishment is scary at best.

Youth sports participation has so many benefits such as reduced likelihood of being obese, higher test scores in school, choosing less risky behaviors, and higher self esteem. With sports being cancelled come the negative consequences of athletes sitting at home doing nothing. According to a study done by the NCAA, A majority of participants reported experiencing high rates of mental distress since the outset of the pandemic. Over a third reported experiencing sleep difficulties, more than a quarter reported feeling sadness and a sense of loss, and 1 in 12 reported feeling so depressed it has been difficult to function, “constantly” or “most every day.” The rates of mental health concerns were 150% to 250% higher than that historically reported by NCAA student-athletes in the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment. Athletes are struggling.

Parents, we have good reasons for letting our athletes participate in youth sports. We want them busy and staying fit. We want them to be with friends, to improve their skills, and learn those life lessons sports can teach. What we don't want is them sitting at home losing their drive or desire to do anything. We don't want them start down that path leading to depression. Coaches, this is hard on you too. Likely you are an active person if you chose coaching as a profession. You miss your athletes and you miss participating in the sport you love. We all want to have something "normal" during this crazy time so what do we do? It is hard to know because if COVID-19 numbers continue to increase, we may be headed for another shut down (if you have even been allowed to go back to sport yet) and we have to be the leaders for our children and athletes if that happens.

Coaches, I have heard from many of you and I can feel your frustration. Zoom was once your "friend" and now you dread doing another practice session online. Don't stop!!! Keep those Zoom meetings going! I know there are thousands of you getting creative trying to motivate your athletes to stay engaged. It is hard for everyone when you don't know if you are going to have a season or not. Coaches can't prepare, parents can't plan, and athletes want to know exactly what they are working for. Even if you are back to sport, take some time to talk to your athletes. See how they are doing and how they are feeling. They may need to hear others are struggling and you are struggling as well. You miss them and they miss you, their friends, and their sport. Discuss what happens if their season is cancelled and how you will move forward. Let the parents and athletes know you have a plan and if you don't have one, I would recommend giving it some thought. There will be less anxiety all around if there is a plan B,C,D...depending on how many scenarios there might be.

If you are not comfortable coming up with at home conditioning or are struggling with ideas, there are a lot of trainers out there willing to help. Here is one example and she can be contacted at pptraining@gmail.com if you're looking for some guidance.

Hang in there everyone! We will get through this together. Youth athletes will get through it with your help and leadership. Stay safe and healthy so we can get these athletes back to sport.