NOTE TO STUDENTS: Watch the videos under “Resources” and then answer the questions.

1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. a) What did players across the state do in response to CIAC’s announcement?
b) What arguments do they use to support their position?

3. a) Why did the CIAC prohibit football teams from playing at the last minute?
b) What alternatives to playing tackle football did the Connecticut Department of Health suggest to football teams across the state?

4. a) What sports has the Connecticut DPH permitted to play this fall? - What will volleyball have to do to be permitted to play?
b) What do you think of state officials’ suggestions from 3b) and 4a)? Explain your answer.

5. In how many states have government officials allowed high school football teams to play this fall?

6. To the players, it’s not just a game. Seniors will miss their senior year. Juniors hoping to be scouted for college will miss out. All players just want to play. Consider the players’ argument that other states who have been playing for a few weeks have not had any spike, as well as the fact that Connecticut has one of the lowest percentages of positive tests. Also, it has been reported that the Covid-19 risk to teens is very low. What do you think? Is the Connecticut Department of Health being unreasonable / too heavy handed? Is DPH’s fear that the players will spread the virus to the community at large justified? Are the players being unreasonable? (Consider these questions even if you are not a football fan - what if it was your sport, group or band, etc.?) Explain your answers.