Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many things we were once able to do have been altered to fit necessary standards. One of the many things that people enjoy and often bond over are sports; however, due to the guidelines imposed due to COVID-19, sports have changed. Professional sports are now following necessary restrictions and rules in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

One of the first associations to take precautions in order to resume games was the NBA. Having 22 teams travel to Disney World for the playoffs and NBA finals, the association took advantage of smart technology to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The smart technology that was put to use were things such as; “smart” rings and Disney magic bands. CNBC explains that smart rings were being utilized to take note of players’ temperature, heart rate, and are said to be “capable of predicting COVID-19 symptoms up to three days in advance with 90% accuracy, according to the company [Oura].” The magic bands are set up as hotel keys which also track which players come in contact with one another, so in the event that a player gets sick, every player they have come in contact with will be notified.

In soccer news, FIFA has recently approved international matches as of October 1st, with strict protocols in place. According to FIFA.com, this approval was a “result of an extensive consultation process with the six confederations and stakeholder representatives.” They explain that the current protocols that have already been developed and implemented are to be used for international matches. These protocols include things such as : “Strict monitoring and testing of players, delegates and officials, Physical distancing, and Cleaning, hygiene regimes, etc.”

Playoffs are in full swing for the MLB and these teams have also been following their own set of precautions. Their 2020 season guide has been utilized since the end of July with a wide range of mandatory and suggested precautions. Many of the precautions are standard and adhere to many other associations, not just the MLB. For example, baseballamerica.com describes how “Players who report or exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 or have a temperature above 100.4 degrees are not allowed to enter a team facility.” This is a very common precaution utilized in other, if not all, associations. Other precautions set in place are: “Players are required to wear face coverings at all times in the clubhouse and related areas, all players, coaches and team employees must complete a COVID-19 education course prior to summer camp, etc.”

The most spectated sport in America, according to NPR.com, is in full session. The NFL is the association in which COVID precautions are absolutely necessary and should be enforced. Football is a full contact sport, and because of this, it’s precautions are often differentiated compared to the NBA (who played all games in one location) and MLB. Unlike the NBA, football teams are not in a restricted bubble and are traveling freely as usual like the MLB. However, there are more difficulties when it comes to the NFL and potential flare-ups. In the NFL, “players need more days off between games to recover,” because of this they cannot easily cancel and reschedule games like the MLB. Despite these difficulties, the NFL has been following the necessary guidelines in order to make sure the players and staff are safe and healthy.

As sports have now adjusted to these current times, people can go back to enjoying them and feel a sense of comfort and normality. Sports continue to bring people together and provide entertainment during this stressful time.