The Bladen County Board of Education voted against allowing student-athletes to participate in basketball sports in a split decision at their Monday evening meeting. Parents and students have voiced their disdain with the Board’s decision and started a petition to reverse the motion.
The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) shared information with North Carolina School districts on their decisions for protocols for all sports earlier this year. The NCHSAA guidelines align with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 (coronavirus) safety protocols and were written with feedback from administrators, coaches, parents, and students. Although the NCHSAA Modified Sports Manual is a “live” document, with changes being made as more information is provided during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the NCHSAA allows participation in basketball sports with safety guidelines.
Local students and parents are concerned the Board did not consider their opinions or the NCHSAA guidelines.
Dr. Robert P. Taylor, Bladen County Superintendent, confirmed that school officials reviewed the NCHSAA guidance before the Board meeting on Monday.
Shannon Meares started the petition for the Bladen County Board of Education to reverse their decision. Mrs. Meares is a Bladen County Schools parent, and she commented on the Board’s decision stating they, “made this unilateral decision without consulting the most important party— the athletes themselves!”
She noted local athletes have been practicing with masks and could adhere to the NCHSAA basketball guidelines, but “the Board has taken it upon themselves to cancel the season stating concern for the athletes wearing masks during play.”
Dr. Taylor explained the Board’s ruling this morning, “These decisions are difficult for each Board Member, Administration, ADs, Coaches, parents, and ultimately student-athletes. The Board always retains the authority to make decisions for students, and even though the NCHSAA issues guidelines for participation, the decision to participate still remains a local one.”
Dr. Taylor continued, “I have been contacted by Que Tucker from the NCHSAA, and she expressed her disappointment in Bladen County not participating in basketball as well as sharing information on what various entities have said about participation in athletics with masks.”
Jacob Priest, a Bladen County High School Senior stated, “As players, we should have the ability to choose if we play or not. While wearing a mask during workouts is not ideal, I, along with many other players, will play by any rules and means necessary. I would like the chance to play out my final year and end on a high note after this Pandemic. Give us the chance to finish strong!”
The NCDHHS demographics reports that 17-year-olds and younger children account for about 10% of the total positive COVID-19 cases in North Carolina since the Pandemic started. During Monday’s meeting, Dr. Taylor explained the local health director recommended an extended school break after the Christmas holiday due to a rise in coronavirus cases.
Dr. Taylor stated today, “I know a vote to not participate with masks was one that was not made lightly and made with the safety and security of students in mind. I have no doubt these are absolutely the intentions of the Board.”
He added, “The decision to not participate in basketball can be reversed by the Board at any point they deem it necessary. This would only require a meeting where a majority of the Board voted to change. It does not require the consent of any party or the submission of any data or preferences.”
This afternoon the petition to reverse the Board’s decision on not allowing Bladen County basketball sports has a total of 420 supporters who have signed the Change.org petition.
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