The holding pattern the Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association is in looks to remain in effect for the duration, and it should.
Whether we like it or not, change in this COVID-19 world is an inevitability.
By accident or design, the world continues to undergo a painful remodeling at the hands of this virus.
The sports world on every level is a microcosm of societal changes, as sports, entertainment and the political sphere that governs it all continues to become more intertwined daily.
No longer are sports a safe place to bury one’s emotions and live vicariously through our high-flying heroes.
The games must have a deeper meaning.
Back to the HHSAA. The organization should get some kudos for waiting to see how this pandemic is playing out.
Eventually, our teams will continue to prepare for the fall and sports will be back, most likely without fans.
Nebraska is one place that is trying football with fans, as they had their first event with nearly 2,500 fans attending a Shrine Bowl.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta is hoping for the best, that people will remain vigilant. This simply isn’t reality.
People are creatures of patterns, and even though we live in what is referenced to as “the new standard,” it’s a natural inclination to revert to old habits.
Judging from the pictures in the stands of the Shrine Bowl, most people have forgotten COVID-19 is here.
With trans-Pacific travel a hot topic locally, we can learn from the mainland’s mistakes regarding high-school sports.
We need to remember every gym. The athletic facilities have different types of ventilation, one of the contributing factors to the spread of the virus, according to a recent article published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
“By their very nature, gyms that operate in closed spaces with poor ventilation and without physical distancing can be breeding grounds for all kinds of infections, including the coronavirus,” said state Department of Health State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park.
“It is imperative that all gyms follow the safe practices required by state and county governments. These include proper physical distancing in workout areas and group classes, wearing of masks at all times, and consistent and thorough disinfection of equipment and all surfaces,” she said.
Based on Park’s statements, it will be a logistical nightmare to host high-school games with fans, unless you all have them sign waivers.
The HHSAA, unlike a lot of their mainland counterparts, has done the right thing by waiting to see how this all plays out.
The decision we make regarding inter-island travel will most likely impact HHSAA-sanctioned events moving forward.
Let’s hope they make the right one and value our safety over the sports’ bottom lines.
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Jason Blasco, sports reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.
