The New Normal - Wearing a mask on the hardwood

MASK UP!  That is what all the medical experts and scientists are saying.  It is not an infringement on you rights  to have to wear a mask.  It is your responsibility to your family, your community, your state and your country.  Not wearing a mask or purposely wearing it under your nose to flaunt authorities is selfish.  We could all die!  We are dying at an astounding rate that leaves me grieving for my friends and those faces I do not know.  South Korea has some 500 deaths with 50 million people because they are listening to their scientists and government.  Do something for your country!  MASK UP!

The St. Louis Suburban conference just issued new guidelines for high school basketball games in St. Louis County during the Covid-19 pandemic.  I am really glad that they have implemented these drastic measures rather than cancelling the season totally.  Per Jim Powers, "the mask rules are for all STL Co. players and officials, public and private. And from what I am understanding, all schools are going with no fans".

They include the following:

1. No fans, including parents.  

I assume that there may be some ancillary observers besides the team, including videographers and statisticians.  It sucks for parents but, if that is the only way to allow students to play basketball, then I think most parents would reluctantly accept that fact of life.  Hopefully, teams can figure out how to live-stream games so that parents can see their child compete.

2. Facemasks must be worn at all times by all participants 

I have said, all along, that facemasks might be the only way basketball might be played.  It will take some time to figure out what type of facemask might work with basketball.  The gator neck wear gets full of sweat and droops.  N-95 masks, which are the most effective, fill with sweat quickly and are more difficult to breath through and quickly become non-functional.  I found an article on the best breathable face masks for exercise (here).  I used to wear a mask in 50 below wind-chill for running in Minnesota and I came home with 5 pounds of frozen sweat and a six inch icicle on my chin.  We don't realize how much moisture is in the air we breath and how much more comes out with our breath.  Players might need a half dozen masks to last through a game.  And what do you do with the wet mask?  Will players have to have a sealable, "used" mask bag to reduce spreading your germs.  All of these logistics will play out.

3. Social distancing

I sometimes feel funny backing away from someone who is too close to me.  We have been taught to engage and warm up to people.  We can't do this but it is essential to social distance.  Masks and distance drastically reduce spread of the virus.  You can't even see my smile with a mask.  I have to say, "I am smiling at you".

These rules only apply to St. Louis County teams.  What do you do when you play in St. Charles or Franklin Counties?  Do you do as "the Romans do" or do you stay as safe as possible?  Wearing masks might tire your team more than the unmasked team, but you might be safer.  You might be able to play the next game, the next week, the entire season.  It will be interesting.  I hope it all works out.

But it starts at home and with you.   If you flaunt the rules, your player might come to practice and expose his teammates.  EVERYONE HAS TO PLAY THEIR PART.  EVERYONE HAS TO BE RESPONSIBLE.  DON'T BE THE ONE WHO BLEW YOUR TEAM'S SEASON.

WE ALL NEED TO BE SPARTANS THIS WINTER.  STAY HOME, MASK UP, AND STAY SAFE.