There are good programs out there, with good coaches, but the problem is that a student who loves basketball won t go out for a spring sport if he can play basketball year-round. There used to be a rule that kids could only play a sport during its season, but that rule was dropped about 12 years ago. For the kids who play a sport year round, it s a grueling schedule, and I think that s where the injuries come from. Arena football has been gaining popularity across the country and has already reached Albany, providing students with the opportunity to play football year round. Sports provide kids with the opportunity to have something structured, something organized, so they don t go off and get into other stuff.
Most experiences are positive, but it s important to keep students well rounded.
New York State is a forerunner in promoting safety in school sports. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association, on which Lopez has served as president, is the governing body of high school sports in the state. The Association requires every student participating in school sports have yearly physicals to identify medical conditions the student might need to address. Additionally, every coach must pass a 16 hour first aid course before coaching on any level. These two things help relieve some of the pressures of injuries that could occur.