The Return of Athletics

The return of American sports has had a positive impact on our morale as the length of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to expand with no end in sight.  Some sports are being played with no fans with revenue coming from large television deals, while other leagues are starting to allow in person spectators with restrictions in place to ensure safety.   The rules governing large gatherings and the safety requirements differ from region, as they should, but the most important thing is Americans once again have some sense of normalcy in their lives. 

League Policies

Some entire leagues have banned fans entirely while others leave the decision of in person spectators to the local teams and governments.  As a result, we see football games being played in front of no fans, in front of some fans, and in front of large crowds.  Some leagues, like the NBA, have created social bubbles that require quarantine and testing to allow a player or employee to enter.  In contrast, leagues like MLB and NFL rely on large amounts of tests to ensure the virus is not being widely spread.  Both methods work; however, they also come with different logistical challenges.  Testing large groups of people on a regular basis is difficult and expensive.  A league like the NFL has significantly more resources and cash flow to be able to commit to such a resource taxing program.  However, leagues like the NHL do not have the financial capital of the NFL.  This is one of the factors as to why they created a bubble to play their championship tournament in.  These bubbles involve less testing and more protocols to enter or re-enter the bubble setting then leagues that travel.  Both methods have shown, thus far, to be effective at containing any virus outbreaks.  They are great examples of how a global problem can be dealt with successfully in more than one way.

Stadium Attendance

Being allowed access to be a spectator at a live sporting event in person is achievable in some situations and in some regions of the country.  This is dependent on local rules and statewide mandates.  This should not be that big of a surprise because America is a large country and the rate of infection varies base on location.  Additionally, the rules that must be followed to be allowed admittance to a stadium can be drastically different.  Some stadiums only require masks while others are divided in to sections.  The theory is to keep people apart and should something happen only one section of people would be put at risk.  These rules can be difficult to understand at times but it important that they are followed, even if you do not personally think they will be effective.  We are in situation where 99% of people following the rules are not enough.  One person can, in theory, affect thousands and we all must do our part.  So if you have tickets to an event make sure to read and follow all of the safety guidelines.   If you think they are overly cautious and annoying to deal with sell your ticket and do not go to the event.  Following the rules isn’t about infringing on your freedoms, it is about respecting the wishes of others and the wishes of the host.  When you boil things down a stadium is simply and organized party and addition tickets are expensive invitations.  We would not be disrespectful of someone’s wishes when they host a house party.  That being said, we should respect the wishes of the hosting team at a sporting event.

Finally, Something to Watch

The best part of the return of organized and professional sports in our country is the entertainment value it provides.  Sports leagues create so many conversations that their existence ensures we always have common ground with someone.  People on two polar opposite ends of the political spectrum can agree on things regard their local sports team. In contrast, people who cheer for rivals can spend hours discussing why their team is better and why they will win the upcoming contest.  Even after the game ends there is at least a few days of rubbing in a victory or making excuses as to why your team came up short.  Additionally, fantasy sports create bonds between friends and coworkers and instill a competitive culture in some settings.  This can generate a lot of fond moments between yourself and your peers and can provide yourself with a much needed break from your normal conversations.  Having a distraction from work can sometimes lead to a calmer environment and more productive and happier work forces.  Just remember not to let things go too far, sports should be a contested subject of discussion but should not create real hate on any level.

We hear and read a lot of discussion about returning to normal lives; however, do we truly understand what that means.   Wearing masks and all the safety protocols surrounding COVID-19 can be a pain to deal with.  Many of us miss the busy restaurant or bar setting and are growing tired of restrictions, but we must realize that we can only move toward the future.  The life of the past is in the past, there is no recreating it.  We can set goals to make public events safe again and to attempt to return to a pre-COVID lifestyle, but the lessons we have learned must impact our future actions.  Being cleaner as a society is a good thing and we must take some of the good lessons with us going forward.  We should not shoot for returning to the past but we should focus on a better future.  One that instills the American values of freedom of speech, expression, and free will.  There is no going back to the past but we can, together, build a better future.  Finally, remember to stay safe and enjoy life.