Cautious optimism

Hopeful signs are everywhere.

In Charlottetown, P.E.I., an under-12 girls softball league season is underway.

Ice has been installed in the main arena at Membertou, near Sydney, N.S., meaning hockey practices can’t be far behind.

Children in St. John’s, N.L., are now permitted to play baseball against opponents from neighbouring communities.

In the Halifax area, modified minor baseball and soccer practices are visible, complete with social distancing protocols in effect.

Yes, for sports-minded youngsters in Atlantic Canada, and their parents, there is reason for cautious optimism following a spring on the sidelines due to the dreadful worldwide pandemic which has killed more than 500,000 people and shows no signs of abating.

No doubt, those decisions to sign up for (insert favourite sport here) were not made lightly. Certainly not by the parents. Not with COVID-19 concerns lurking behind every cough and every infringement upon the two metres of separation that is now part of our daily lives.

After all, will a half-dozen eight-year-olds always remember to socially isolate when a runaway ball or errant puck crosses their path?

But what are the options? Additional weeks and months at home, shooting hoops or taking wrist shots alone or with a sibling in the driveway, with time-outs for video games? Waiting for a global cure sometime before the snow flies? Or maybe next summer? Or later?

So it’s necessary baby steps as a portion of society tiptoes back to fields, rinks, gyms, golf courses and swimming pools, cautiously optimistic that the operational plans so carefully compiled by sports organizations throughout Atlantic Canada will keep everyone safe.

Or as safe as possible.

Those high-fives and handshakes, once so common during or after games, will have to wait, though. Same goes for group huddles between players, or players and coaches.

But even as different sports try to restart their programs, there is the real likelihood that registration numbers will be negatively impacted. At least for this year. Some participants will find other things to do for now. Others may never come back.

Restarting youth sports is just the tip of the iceberg, however.

What’s in store come September when junior high and high school seasons are slated to get underway? After all, the Atlantic University Sport and Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association fall seasons have already been scrapped. Doesn’t it seem likely that wherever there are virtual classes, school leagues will be suspended? Who knows if winter season leagues will commence?

And what about inter-provincial hockey circuits, such as the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League or the Maritime Junior Hockey League? How can they possibly operate when limits on attendance slash revenues to a fraction of their previous levels? Will some teams ask for a year’s leave of absence?

Yes, these are trying times for all those involved in all these sports.

It’s important for youth and amateur sports to get going again, but it’s also vital we ensure it's being done as safely as possible.