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To Mask Or Not To Mask
As we continue to see a rise in the number of cases of Covid19 in the United States some bowling centers have been allowed to 
open. This is of course based on State and local guidelines. Almost universally, though, is that most centers are requiring masks to walk around. Some are requiring masks even while bowling. So that begs the question: will you be bowling during the pandemic if you’re required to wear a mask?
This isn’t an easy question to answer and I’ve personally seen arguments go both ways. So while you may come to different conclusions, I’ll try to break down my thought process here.
Pros And Cons Of A Mask
Pros
The main points in favor of bowling while wearing a mask are easy to list. First, we love the game. We don’t want to stop and wearing a mask is only a minor inconvenience to continue something we love doing. Second, some centers are requiring masks only while not actively bowling. This means during your approach you can take off the mask. Third, bowling centers have been suffering right alongside the rest of us. We need to support them during this time so that when things return to normal they are still in business. This w0n’t be the case if we all stop bowling.
Cons
Not to play Devil’s advocate, but there are several reasons not to bowl if required to wear a mask. First, it makes hot bowling centers even hotter. So while getting exercise and experiencing a hot body a mask only makes the discomfort worse. Second, a mask changes your normal vision which can affect your gameplay. This will take some adjustment to the way we throw the ball. This could be detrimental to our gameplay after things return to normal. Last, what about an individual’s freedom to choose? I have a back-and-forth on this last point. On the one hand I shouldn’t be required to wear anything if it relates to my body. On the other hand I don’t have the right to pass on disease freely to other people. It’s sort of like the “no shirt, no shoes, no service” rule. Not only does someone not wearing clothes make others feel uncomfortable, but it’s unsanitary and risks the spread of disease in a society.
Wrap Up And Final Thoughts
This is certainly a tough topic. Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list, but these are the main arguments I’ve seen on the issue. And it doesn’t take into considerations differences in geography, city size, demographics, and local confirmed cases. For example, a small town is less likely to have issues than a metropolis since there is less foot traffic. You could be the only one who bowls on lane 1 for days if the center cycles lane usage effectively. Also, older bowlers are more susceptible to the disease so if you live in a young neighborhood vs a retirement community the guidelines should be different. Last, if there are no confirmed cases in your town then the chances of you or anyone around you having the disease is pretty low.
For me, I think I’ll wear the mask. I can’t stand the thought of not bowling for potentially months. I also can’t stand the thought of all bowling centers going out of business because of something so minor as wearing a mask. Yes, it will take some adjustment. But I think for the greater good I’ll continue to bowl and I’ll continue to wear the mask. We’re all in this together.
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What are you thoughts? Did I miss an important counter-argument? Are you going to be bowling if you have to wear a mask? Let us know in the comments below.