I want to go on record that it makes no sense to allow sporting competitions (for most sports) to resume in colleges at this time of active COVID19, and especially in those colleges that are otherwise implementing physical distancing for non-athletes. Let's talk about this. 1/
I would hope that universities would show good public health sense and principled consistency. Expediency and dissembling in public health policy-making is bad for our efforts. When we make tough calls, which is inevitable, let's at least be reasoned and honest about it. 2/
Apparently, the @IvyLeague will make an announcement on July 8 about its plans for collegiate sports.
I would hope that only those sports not involving close contact among athletes on the same or opposing teams (eg, golf, tennis, archery, cross-country, etc) will be allowed. 3/
I would hope that only those sports not involving close contact among athletes on the same or opposing teams (eg, golf, tennis, archery, cross-country, etc) will be allowed. 3/
Here is a long list, courtesy of @USATODAY of the many sports teams and athletes showing positive COVID19 tests around the country just in the last few weeks. usatoday.com/story/sports/c…
Sports competitions are clearly a risk for COVID19 outbreaks. 4/
Sports competitions are clearly a risk for COVID19 outbreaks. 4/
Resuming sports that involve contact (despite the benefits of athleticism and despite my sorrow for many young athletes who clearly want to play!), is irresponsible from a public health point of view. Consider also the known risks of unmasked play and vigorous exhalation. 5/
Team sports during an epidemic is not a good idea.
It is bad for athletes themselves who are put at risk. People aged ~20 are at low risk, but they not at *no* risk: ~1/2000 to 1/1000 who get COVID19 will die of it (e.g., medrxiv.org/content/10.110… & ec.europa.eu/knowledge4poli… ) 6/
It is bad for athletes themselves who are put at risk. People aged ~20 are at low risk, but they not at *no* risk: ~1/2000 to 1/1000 who get COVID19 will die of it (e.g., medrxiv.org/content/10.110… & ec.europa.eu/knowledge4poli… ) 6/
Having athletes who needlessly get infected with SARS-CoV-2 is bad for the people on and off campus to whom they might spread the virus. And infected athletes can spread it to each other, in buses, dorms, etc., even if kept away from other students. 7/
Allowing athletic competition is bad for other students, who will naturally wonder why – if sports competitions can go on, with contact & mixing of athletes within a college & between colleges – they too cannot also enjoy group events, from parties to band practice. 8/
This will sap morale and foster non-adherence to physical distancing rules on campus. How could a college discipline students for having a party if a sporting competition was taking place the same week? 9/
And why would we allow sports if we do not allow class meetings? Are not academics the primary focus of a university anyway? 10/
What would be an answer to these questions that would be coherent and in keeping with public health on a college campus?
It is bad public health practice to squander credibility when it is needed to respond to a serious epidemic. 11/
It is bad public health practice to squander credibility when it is needed to respond to a serious epidemic. 11/
So, even if an intercollegiate body permits sports to take place, university administrators should not allow their own students to participate, unless participating is in keeping with all other rules being implemented on campus for all other students. At least IMHO. 12/
