COVID-19, networks and sport

Abstract

This commentary serves to provide a rapid analysis of the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on sporting mass gatherings. The focus of this commentary surrounds sporting mass gatherings and strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, with a particular focus on the UEFA EURO 2020 competition. Further references to the 2020 Olympic Games, and community recreational football are made. The intention is to stimulate discussion, analysis, interest and research on what the initial impact of COVID-19 has on sport. COVID-19 could fundamentally change the way sport operates in the future and requires further analysis. We hope this commentary provides an interesting record and reference point for future research and practice of those operating in sporting organisations. Learning lesson from this crisis, must ensure sport managers and practitioners are better prepared in sport and society for similar events in the future.

COVID-19: Impact on United Kingdom Horse Owners

“…The disease is still spreading, and it is likely that social distancing measures will be imposed, nationally and globally, for between 12 and 18 months, or until a vaccine is developed to avoid severe public health consequences [ 53 ]. These restrictions, combined with an increased burden on medical services associated with increased admissions due to COVID-19, will impact individuals, particularly those employed in sectors revolving around leisure, tourism and sport for a significant period of time [ 27 , 53 ].…”

“…The broader influence of restrictions resonates throughout the equestrian sector. Slowing down the spread of COVID-19 to manageable levels for the health systems to operate has to remain the number one priority for the UK; social and sporting gatherings present a genuine risk to potentiate the transmission of the virus [ 27 ]. Restrictions are affecting all aspects of equestrianism, for example competitive equestrian events have been postponed or cancelled, riding schools are restricted in what services they can offer to clients, and recreational riding is severely limited.…”

“…Whilst it is likely that much of the 2020 competitive season may be lost to COVID-19 across many equestrian sports, some aspects of the industry, such as racing, are exploring alternative options including running race meetings behind closed doors. The economic consequences of these changes, postponements, and cancellations are as of yet unknown, but many commentators and those within the sport expect this to fundamentally change the way sport operates in the future [ 27 ]. For equestrianism, ancillary industries, such as the breeding and bloodstock sector, are also likely to be severely impacted.…”

Motives and Commitment to Sport in Amateurs during Confinement: A Segmentation Study

“…The most commonly used strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19 include restricting travel by closing borders, suppressing mass gatherings, or distancing people socially [ 4 , 5 ]. Consequently, physical activity was restricted to the entire population, leading to the forced closure of sports facilities and recreational areas such as gyms, swimming pools or playgrounds, as well as the cancellation of amateur sports events [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Marketplaces as Public Spaces in Times of The Covid‐19 Coronavirus Outbreak: First Reflections

“…During the corona crisis, many public spaces throughout the world were suddenly closed or subject to strict regulations to restrict the formation of dense public gatherings and the further spread of the virus (Parnell et al . 2020). As such, the corona crisis adds a third process producing the ‘death’ of public space.…”