Changes to Organized Sports

COVID-19 has had countless global consequences, including changes to organized sports. While these Sports are starting up again, they may not look the way their fans are used to: stadiums are empty of fans, teams aren't allowed to have contact with the outside world, and the experience of watching organized sports has been changed for every viewer around the globe.

Let's take baseball, for instance: the crowd is the heart of organized sports. Sometimes the presence of fans can even change how a player performs. Because of the pandemic, fans, and even the players' families, aren’t allowed in games. The MLB recognized the effect on player morale that empty stadiums had, and tried to recreate fans out of cardboard to bring back the old atmosphere for players. The National Basketball Association, or NBA, has implemented a unique method designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Called the "NBA Bubble," this technique involves All basketball players quarantining as one team and family- even as they play against each other at gametime. They wear masks at all times except when are playing, eating, sleeping, or spending time outside. Disney World, hearing about the situation, took over and invited 22 teams to come and play at their facilities, forming a new, larger "bubble." The bubble is a $170 investment by the NBA to protect its 2019-2020 season from potential cancellation. There is no one allowed in besides staff, players, and coaches. However, this "bubble" technique has been controversial among fans, as it prevents players from seeing family and fans.

These players are not allowed outside the bubble without permission. However, the good news is that this reduces the risk that the basketball season could be cancelled entirely. While fans may not be able to come see the games in person, the bubble ensures that the games can still be aired on television. In some stadiums, fans are even allowed to apply online for a spot, and can "see" themselves on TV at the game. Although covid has quarantine players into a bubble, they are not required to wear masks .

Hockey is another sport that has been heavily affected by COVID-19. After the NBA suspended its season on March 11, the NHL was one of the many leagues to pause their 2019-2020 season the following day. Also, just like the NBA, the NHL 2020-2021 season is currently up and running. In consideration of the pandemic, NHL players, coaches, and staff have quarantined themselves in their own personal bubble. This bubble consists of limited areas of two hub cities, Edmonton and Toronto.

To conclude this story, COVID 19 has had a major effect on organized sports. The experience of enjoying sports has been changed fundamentally, and while it has great effects on the players,it affects fans and family too.