AMHERST, N.Y. (WKBW) — To play or not to play; that was the question for the Sweet Home Central School District.
The sports in question are what the state deems low or moderate risk sports, like soccer.
Most other districts in Western New York have already given approval for these sports to kick off, Buffalo Public Schools have not.
At Sweet Home, the school board still needed to make the decision.
At Monday’s school board meeting, it was a chance for athletes, parents, and coaches to ask the board to let students play. Low-risk sports, like golf, tennis and swimming were allowed with little opposition. But, there was significant debate surrounding moderate-risk sports. Board members didn't want to risk infection with students playing other teams and possibly spreading COVID-19.
Athletes say they're already playing in private leagues.
“When we're not here, we're somewhere else. Either way, we're going to be playing soccer,” said Zora Flash, a Sweet Home High School soccer player.
Moderate-risk sports at Sweet Home will be allowed to start their season. The plan passed the school board with a vote of 4-3.
“Feeling pretty good,” said Jacob Wilson, a captain of the boys soccer team. “I'm thankful for all the board members, even the ones who said no.”
Practices can begin at the end of the week.
