Will Canada have High School Basketball Competition Fall 2021?
This question is one many parents and student-athletes are pondering with the ever-changing state of the pandemic. All of us are eager to know whether there will be a high school basketball season coming for the fall of 2021.
The pandemic crept up on us back in March 2020, leaving all of us confused and frightened. For the first time ever, all of the world was in the same place, taking every measure possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We hoped quarantine would last only a few weeks, but little did we know that a year later, Ontario would be in lockdown once again. The emergence of the third wave and the slow rollout of the vaccines has left us all anxious to return to normalcy.
Now a year later, many of us are asking whether there will be a high school basketball season, with many student-athletes eager to play. Before we make the huge step in allowing high school basketball we must look towards the consequences of our young players being exposed to COVID.
It is commonly believed that young people contracting the virus are low-risk and if overcome with symptoms, will recover quickly. We are uncertain whether there will be any long-term effects of COVID on young people. The term “long haulers” is when people will experience ongoing symptoms and complications of the virus long after their diagnosis. How will this affect our basketball players and what is the risk when we allow sports to commence once again?
In contrast let’s look at the way the United States is handling COVID. The rapid increase of vaccinations in the U.S. not to mention most states having a season in the height of the pandemic, has many players opting to head to the U.S. for Prep School and in some cases AAU as well.
The loss of the basketball season has caused anxiety for many student-athletes and parents, who have essentially lost a year of competition and possibly now two years. Basketball competition has been shut down from March/April of 2021. As of April 1 st Ontario Basketball’s Return to Play is on pause as Ontario entered another provincial-wide lockdown. Ontario Basketball notes that no organized basketball activity is allowed in the province during this time.
Despite several setbacks the pandemic has produced, athletes have persevered and remained motivated, using outdoor courts and in home gyms. The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health and young people all across Canada are struggling mentally. The loss of a basketball season has left many student-athletes eager to start playing any way they can, this includes considering heading to the U.S. for Prep School and in some cases considering Prep School earlier than planned.
Like anything, there are pros and cons regarding whether student-athletes should make the decision to continue playing and look at the option of Prep Schools in the U.S. From a parent’s perspective, we want to ensure our young people will be safe and ready to begin the basketball season. Concerns over the continued risk from the virus is of course dominant, ultimately wanting the majority of the world’s population to be vaccinated before we act too hastily. The upside of allowing the season to start again or sending our athletes to a U.S. Prep School aligns with the original hope for any athlete: exposure and a chance to play at the next higher level.
Realistically, Canada has taken a cautious approach on managing COVID for the safety of all! In the end it’s up to both parents and student-athletes to make the decision of either remaining in Canada and potentially lose another year or instead consider a U.S. Prep School. Either way not an easy decision for many. Coach Mom welcomes the opportunity to offer you guidance and support to navigate these unprecedented times. Email your questions to info@coachmom.co
References:
“Return to Play FAQ • Ontario Basketball Association.” Ontario Basketball Association, 1 Apr. 2021, basketball.on.ca/return-play-faq/.
Written by – Katie Marchut – Writer/Editor
