Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Respect the Science
It was more than two
months ago when the sports world came to a screeching halt. Not just
the sports world, as you well know. Since that time, in desperation,
the powers-that-be throughout the world have been trying to figure
out the best way to recover from this terrible virus.
We are aware that,
historically, the recovery process will not be easy, nor perfect. As
long as guidelines are followed, and people remain sensible, the
presses will begin to roll again, and we shall emerge victorious over
the Covid-19.
The basketball world is
looking to try to finish its season by playing its games at one site:
Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida. Apparently, there are enough
courts and training facilities in the area to accommodate several
teams of giants. League executives are trying to figure out ways to
get teams to play without the fans.
Social distancing. That
is the concept that has been established to reduce the number of
casualties from the virus. I can understand how this can be applied
to the fans. The parking lots will be empty. For many, that would be
unacceptable because the “tailgate” phenomenon would not occur.
There would not be any opportuities to socialize before the games.
I suppose that cars
could park in the massive parking lots at the stadia and the arenas.
Fans could spark up their barbies, and cook up a storm. They could
wander and give virtual “high fives” and virtual hugs to the
other fans in the lot, showing the team colours.
Unless the cloud is
lifted, all of the shenanigans that take place before the games will
be hollow. The spirit will not be there. As it currently sits,
players cannot cross borders to meet with their teammates, to
practise with them, to work out plans to execute once the games
begin.
The National Hockey
League brass has been working on a playoff format involving a certain
number of teams. They have created a system of elimination, with the
elite teams receiving a bye into the playoff rounds. This is
certainly a good waste of energy, considering the stranglehold we now
experience, world-wide, because of the virus.
All of this planning
and scheming comes as a result of the frustration of not being able
to play the games. Ultimately, the key word is safety. No sports
organization would jeopardize the health and safety of its players,
and their fans. There is too much at stake. The league officials will
just have to wring their hands, until we emerge from the tunnel.
We must remain patient,
and wise. The numbers of the casualties thus far are staggering. Our
economies have been crippled by inactivity. We know that many
businesses will shut their doors as a result of the virus.
It may come down to
this: the sports world will kick into action when the vaccine becomes
available to everyone. The trains will run across our nations, planes
will cross our continents, our borders, and our oceans. Passengers
will be able to sit comfortably, without masks, without shields,
without gloves, without fear.
I have been told that
they are laying down sheets of ice, in anticipation of the first face
off. We will just have to be patient. But it will be the greatest
moment in sports history when that puck hits the ice, when that ball
is tipped, when that pitcher gets his sign and hurls the first pitch,
when that ball is kicked at the opposition.
Stay safe.
May 25, 2020
James Hurst.
# posted by James Hurst @ 6:51 AM 
