Breaks from school are a time for students to rest and regenerate their motivation to work hard. Contradictory to the purpose behind giving students a break, the district still allows school-run sports to hold practice during this time. Often, athletes are required to wake up early in the morning in order to go to a practice or game during the time they are supposed to be spending with family. After all, it is called a “break.”

Time off given to students such as December and April break is around holidays and right before major testing weeks for students. This year, two weeks after coming back to school from December break, students have midterms. The break can be productive in helping students relax before going back to school, as well as study for their midterms. The same situation applies to AP tests after April break. In addition, many students enjoy making their own schedules during break, as they do not have to go to school.

However, athletes do not have this luxury. They have mandatory practices and games to attend. If athletes are not given the freedom to plan their days as they like, they may risk being burned out for midterms. How do coaches expect their athletes to come back from break, pick up their work again, study for tests, and perform well in their sport if they are never given the time to recover?

Sports seasons can last for up to three months, which is more than enough time for a high school student to exhaust themselves, spiraling them into declining motivation and performance in all aspects of life. District administration should enforce a rule preventing teams from holding practice over the school break. It is time allotted to students for themselves; it is a time to be with family as well as prepare for upcoming school, sports, and anything else in life that may come their way.

It simply goes against the district’s own logic to host a school event during a time that students do not have school.