Training sport in times of pandemic. Problem or solution?

First of all, apologize to the reader because, in the difficult time in which we live, so many decisions are made, and with so little basis to form criteria, that possibly when the article is finished, everything will have changed. At this moment, the information we have is that, although the SGE and the UFEC have requested that Sport must be considered an essential service, PROCICAT has not considered it as such, and that, for therefore, all those trainings that usually take place in the range between 21 and 24 hours, will not be able to be carried out. That is, they may be able to be rescheduled in other time slots, with the consequent damage to those who had them assigned, and to the people themselves affected by the change. Less training time, and more complexity to be able to rigorously comply with health hygiene rules and procedures that, on the other hand, most clubs are scrupulously complying with.
It is true that the situation is quite complicated, but it is no less true that most of the decisions that are being made could be taken with one more point of reflection, coherence, and common sense.
This is going to save lives, and the people who are part of the world of sport, we are clear. And, limiting the practice of sports in training age, we think we are going against this goal.
We need to think seriously about the questions and arguments we will shell out. Surely, we leave many. But how to decide where, when and why we focus effort and resources, we will start from this base to try to concretize some proposals.
Here we go! Let us see how we do ...

What do the different governments ask for? Why do they put limits on TRAINING SPORT?

All governments, of all colours and in all territorial areas around the world, and also in Spain, ask the population to reduce social life, responsibility, discipline, effort, self-control ... while curiously limiting capacity of one of the tools that allow to deepen in these concepts and values. SPORTS TRAINING is an integral part of the training of people. Indeed, the SCHOOL, the CLUBS or SPORTS SCHOOLS, and the FAMILY ENVIRONMENT, are fundamental for the girls and boys to grow in a committed and responsible freedom, with them, and with their environment. Each playing its part, all parties bringing their values ​​and nutrients to children, girls and boys.

As far as we are concerned, the time that the kids and the youth are training, they do it in a safe and controlled environment. Following the protocols that have been proposed by the different administrations and health authorities. Can we guarantee it if they are not there?

They are also practicing a physical and mental activity (in any sport), allowing them to activate their own good health, and have goals and motivations challenges in difficult times. What is the alternative? Staying home and hanging out with video games? At best, traveling through Social Media to maintain some socialization no matter how virtual it is?

And most importantly, they continue to work on values ​​that should help us all get out of this and future pandemics that may come. Responsibility, teamwork, individual and collective effort, leadership skills ... Is there any possibility that they develop these values ​​outside of TRAINING SPORT? Sure, but it will be hard to find such an effective tool.

Therefore, what is the point of limiting the hours of sports practice in training sports, if it is the greatest tool to help us get out of the pandemic itself?

TRAINING SPORT vs professional sport. Why do they have such a different treatment?

It is truly clear that in professional sport, the one where most girls and boys who practice TRAINING SPORT are looking for their references, is being treated very differently. Unlike the rest, professionals are only required to comply with security protocols. As it must be!

But the possibility of continuing it is safeguarded, so as not to damage its economic activity. It means that a world that moves multimillionaire contracts that are divided among few clubs or organizations, and elite of privileged talents, has the protection of the government, while millions of children, thousands of clubs and organizations that need this activity to keep alive the possibility to continue working , in the field of training of the people, and as we have seen before, we can help you cope better with this situation, only see limited their options. ..

Wouldn't it make more sense to prioritize even if it were only for the criterion of the largest number of beneficiaries? Especially considering the benefit to the public health system.

Clubs vs Gyms. Differences in profit motive.

Another thing we do not understand is how it is put in the same bag in all sports (except professional leagues). We are not talking about the same thing when we talk about Sports Clubs as when we do it about companies that manage (or own) sports businesses.

We believe that these types of companies are necessary and have goals as legitimate and defensible as most. And like any commercial activity, they must be able to exercise it within the framework of the law and in free competition. They have made, make and will make investments in facilities and training, employ professionals in the sector, and contribute to the well-being and health of the population. We find it horrible that their activity has diminished when they have also made a series of investments to adapt to the protocols. How many casualties will they have because of the schedules? Our solidarity with them.

But we are different actors, with different beneficiaries and goals. We cannot be treated the same way. And more, considering that the Clubs, Federations and Sports Associations, we are non-profit entities and that, as it has already been established, we fulfil an irreplaceable work of TRAINING.

For that donations from the public administration is the same way two kind so different of organizations? Surely it does not work for some or for others ...

The goodness (or not) of turning Clubs and Federations into service companies ...

The evolution of regulated training in sports in the various educational programs, has given since its inception, a key importance in the chapter of business management of sports organizations.

It is true that a large majority of sports organizations, even now, have many shortcomings, because of their voluntary nature, in terms of management, and especially economic and financial management. It is no less, however, that the training in these subjects has been given from the point of view of business schools, and this has meant that the professionals who have emerged have this business vision.

And this is interesting from the point of view of sports, self-sufficient entities, with the capacity to seek and generate the resources that make their continuity possible. But without losing sight of their goals and, above all, that they are not for-profit entities. And we speak from ethics, and not just from the legal conception. Because it is not only necessary to ensure that benefits are not distributed, but also that remuneration is adjusted to what is ethically correct.

And if we look up to the federative level, the Federations must be SERVICE ENTITIES to the clubs and entities that are associated with them and are its true owners . They must seek resources and aid from their beneficiaries and owners. They must provide them with the services they need, even applying the corresponding costs when necessary. BUT THEY SHOULD NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THEIR CLUBS AND ASSOCIATES.

Why have some of the Catalan Federations made their own needs prevail over those of the clubs and athletes to whom they are due? Health and people should always come first.

Proposals for immediate application.

1st As has already been done by the UFEC, to request the consideration of Sport, and especially TRAINING SPORT and specifically the FEDERATED as an essential service, thus freeing it from strict compliance with the curfew.

2nd From each Federation, generate and send to the federated of more than 16 years, a certificate of membership to the same wing that serves them in order to be able to circulate to go back and forth of the trainings in the hours of the curfew.

3rd To demand from the PROCICAT that the world of sport CANNOT BE CONSIDERED AS A TRANSMITTER, BUT AS A MINIMIZER OF COVID19. Consequently, to provide the necessary facilities so that, based on compliance with the Covid protocols, the entities can carry out their activity.

4th Give the floor to the entities, so that, in a binding consultation, they can have their say on the start of the competitions. Decisions about the competition cannot be made without the participants, who are the ones who pay for them. Once the decision has been made, all the bodies of the Sport will have to ensure the safe fulfilment of the agreed thing.