Dozens of students are required to wear masks when participating in extracurricular activities so far this fall. Though opinions differ, many students would prefer not to wear them.

The University Interscholastic League created strict regulations that coaches and players must follow regarding masks because of COVID-19, the pandemic that has affected millions of Americans in 2020.

“I don’t really want to wear them,” freshman tennis player Jordyn Cook said. “But, I just wear them to keep other people safe and to keep myself safe.”

The wearing of the mask differs in each activity. For example, the cross country team only had to wear them during their warm-ups.

“I think because we’re spaced out enough then no, it is not necessary [during warm-ups], considering that we’re outside 100% of the time, and it’s fairly easy to socially distance, especially since there’s really no one out there,” junior Tate Hughes said.

In addition to masks, cheerleaders have spots marked with Xs on the track to ensure social distancing is maintained.

“I don’t really think [the masks] work, and they’re really hot,” senior cheerleader Makyala Rohmfeld said. “The first game we had was out of town, and the air conditioner on the bus was broken. We had to wear our masks the whole time on the bus ride there. I just remember pouring sweat.”

Band students are one of the few that do not have to wear masks while participating. Performers are allowed to take off their masks while marching, unlike volleyball players, who must wear their masks no matter what.

“We’re just doing it for our protection and the protection of our season,” junior volleyball player Autumn King said. “Now that I’ve kind of realized how much it helps me and that it protects our season, I don’t really want to take it off.”

New to this year’s uniform, football players must wear a splash guard below the standard visor. According to senior Kye Herbert, the splash guard fogs up the visor, the top part of the helmet, and restricts airflow.

“The bottom one is just terrible,” Herbert said.

Although the masks are cumbersome, Herbert said he does see the importance of them.

“If another team has corona, we don’t want to miss two weeks,” Herbert said. “Especially at district because then we wouldn’t qualify for the playoffs.”