Hello all, I would simply like to know if anyone would sign a petition that would attempt to exempt HS runners in my state from having to wear masks while racing outdoors, as we currently are. I will start by saying that I am fully supportive of wearing masks in public and indoor spaces, and I also think masks should be worn at all times during track practices, and while warming up, cooling down, or whenever an athlete isn't racing. That being said, I think the decision to require masks while racing was rushed and ill-informed. The close contact guidelines say that you are only a close contact of someone if you have been within 6 feet of them for 15+ minutes, and the longest race, the 2 mile, is almost always shorter than 15 minutes, and often competitors are extremely spaced out as well. In other states where racers aren't required to wear masks, even in field sizes much larger than we have, there are very few if any cases of covid spreading while racing. I believe that racing outdoors without masks is extremely safe, and that the decision to require masks should be overturned.
If anybody would sign a petition I make, please let me know. Thank you.