Recently at the Courtside Basketball Center in Rocklin, there was a Covid-19 outbreak infecting dozens of individuals who attended. Around 75 male teens went to the recreation basketball tournament to compete, and reports say over 30 of these youth athletes have tested positive for Covid-19.

For the last six months of quarantine, Courtside has been an outlet for many athletes whose sports seasons were cancelled due to the pandemic.  During this time, the Placer County health officer, Rob Oldham, has been trying to convince the owner of Courtside to close its doors, but the owner continuously refuses.  

The company still refuses all warnings and fines to close down, and also have not cancelled any future tournaments or large events.  

“I have played at Courtside for almost three years,” senior Tage Fink said.  “It’s what has gotten me through the tedium of lockdowns.  I would hate to see it close now, but it would make total sense.  If a company can operate without mass publicity then it’s one thing, but the outbreak has brought Courtside to the forefront of local talks of Covid-19.” 

This circumstance furthers the concerns people are having about playing sports during this pandemic.  Is there a way to make these events safe for everyone involved?

“I have always played in a mask,” said Requis Baldwin, a senior at El Camino High School. “Courtside does not enforce wearing a mask while playing, but if you are watching you must wear one. They take temperatures of people entering, and sanitize hands between games, but the whole (function) is very laid back.”  

People playing sports in this climate know the risks of attending and participating sporting events. With that being said, it is a conscious decision for an athlete to decide to go play in public games or tournaments.  

“Everyone knows the risks of playing with random people,” said Luke Peters, a senior at Roseville High School. “If people wanted to be completely safe from (Covid-19) they wouldn’t play.  I look at life the same way – if I’m scared that it’s going to rain outside, I won’t stay inside in fear even when it’s sunny.”

As the virus becomes more widespread, outbreaks will most likely be recurring in sports on a more consistent basis. Most importantly, athletes should realize the risks, follow Covid-19 regulations, and stay alert about the virus at all times.