How should athletic coaches address the needs of their Jewish athletes during Rosh Hashanah?

Allowing athletes to leave for synagogue without penalties demonstrates respect and sensitivity to the religious observances of Jewish athletes during Rosh Hashanah. This approach acknowledges the importance of the holiday in the Jewish faith, which is characterized by the observance of the new year and reflection, meaning that participating in religious practices is significant for those observing it.

This option fosters an inclusive and supportive team environment, showing that the coach values both the athletes' faith and their commitment to the sport. This action can positively impact team morale and reinforce a culture that respects individual differences, thereby promoting unity and understanding within the team.

In contrast, conducting practice as usual, providing makeup sessions, or ignoring the holiday fails to honor the needs of athletes who observe Rosh Hashanah and may create feelings of exclusion or conflict between athletic participation and religious commitments.