Emily Bernard: On smokey day, soccer league did right thing
As a coach and parent I applaud McSwain Soccer League for modeling what true sportsmanship and the game is about.
Last Saturday our air-quality index was orange. Many believe this is bad only for people with diseases or disabilities, ignoring the definition, which includes: “Although general public is not likely to be affected ... people with lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone ... and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air.”
City schools did not allow children out for recess, canceled sports events; but other leagues played on, defending their stance.
McSwain Soccer League should be applauded for choosing to say that none of their players would be out in an unhealthy situation though it was opening day of the season. Leagues have rules and standards we may not always agree with, but they keep our children safe on the fields. Poor air quality is no different. Shame on the leagues that forced coaches and parents to be on either side of the process.
Also, thank you to the many parents who called leagues to say children should not be playing. At McSwain they heard you and made the right choice.
Emily Bernard, Merced
This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 1:22 PM with the headline "Emily Bernard: On smokey day, soccer league did right thing."