Loss of School Sports Adversely Affecting Student Athletes
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis and while schools have shifted to elearning, sports seasons, sports clinics, and athletic meets have been cancelled. As a result, the loss of training programs and routine practices have caused disarray in the future plans of student athletes.
Actually, school programs have already been called off for good as a precaution against health risks, along with the potential financial problems that the coronavirus can bring. .
Although some schools ventured to reopen despite the still ongoing pandemic, the health crisis went from bad to worst — prompting schools to close again and place students under elearning mode. Today, most student athletes are worried they might lose their skills and in the long run, be unable to take up sports again.
How Deprivation of Sports Activities Can Affect Student Athletes?
Without any event or opportunity for them to show their skills, the lack puts a question to their identity as varsity players; whilst putting their collegiate athletic scholarship at risks. In some cases, the lack of sports activities can even affect livelihoods.
Other concerns include proper diet, as many find it difficult to have healthy food options in their homes. In contrast, student athletes belonging to lower income families will not be able to insist on maintaining a healthy diet as demanded by their sport; especially if the household income cannot even meet ordinary financial obligations due to dire economic conditions.
Colleges that have cancelled sports seasons and sports programs altogether, can also affect future participations in major events like the Olympics.
What is seen as the end result of how student athletes feel about the loss of all opportunities offered by school sports, is the effect on their mental health. It’s as if part of their identity as a person has been taken away from them. According to experts, sports is what shapes student athletes, as it is their approach to energy management, their daily routine, and at times, their support.
