Petition To Allow Sports At Central Bucks Launched

DOYLESTOWN, PA—Student athletes, parents, supporters, and community members of Central Bucks School District recently launched a Change.org petition to call for a full return to high school sports.

"We understand the risks. Most athletes have been involved in their sport all summer throughout clubs, training, and travel teams with little to no outbreaks," said Howard Schargel, the creator of the petition. "That alone should be encouraging to hear!"

The petition comes after the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. (PIAA) voted Friday in favor of allowing a high school sports season to take place this fall beginning Monday, Aug. 24.

The decision, however, on whether or not to compete and which sports to sponsor will be up to the individual school districts.

"We understand the PIAA has kicked the can back to our school district, and the position that this puts you in. We are asking to be part of the decision-making discussion, as it does directly affect our kids," the petition reads. "The COVID-19 restrictions, remote learning, and being back with no activities will negatively impact their physical and mental health. We, as a community of parents, are rallying to support their overall health and well-being. CBSD could be a leader."

The petition also calls for the school district to "think outside the box" when it comes to allowing high school sports to continue and giving only parents and guardians the ability to attend their student athlete's sporting event.

"Kids NEED the exercise for their mental & emotional health. They need to be out having fun, breathing fresh air, get their mind off the virus & on-line school. They need a little bit of normalcy in their lives!" one person commented under the petition.

"PIAA overwhelmingly supports the continuation of sports for our kids with a huge majority vote. CBSD should follow suit," another person commented. "There is absolutely no data to support canceling sports this fall, based on sports activities that have already occurred in the past 2 months. If sports are cancelled, profound inequalities will arise above and beyond remote learning. Let them play!"

As of Monday, the petition attracted 34 supporters. It has since closed to additional signers.

According to the Central Bucks School District, board members are set to discuss and approve Tuesday its updated 2020-2021 athletics health and safety plan. Details of the plan are below:

Do you support Central Bucks School District student athletes taking part in the upcoming high school sports season? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

SEE ALSO:

• PIAA Goes Against Wolf, Votes Yes On 2020 Fall HS Sports Season