Planning the “What if?” Sports Scenarios for the Autumn Term
When no one knows when, or even whether, any pupils will attend schools in the summer term, September seems a long way away. It would appear difficult, to the point of impossible, to plan a sports programme amidst so many unknown factors.
So, what are the options? Ignore the issue, hope for the best? Make up alternatives on the hoof once the restrictions that may still apply are known? This isn’t how forward thinking organisations operate. The alternative is planning the “What if?” scenarios. This involves predicting categories of operational limitation, and formulating outline contingency plans for each. As developments unfold, some will be ruled out, focusing greater detail on the remaining ones. Eventually, there is one left. That’s then the known and detailed plan that is wheeled into action.
What look like the possible scenarios at this stage, five months away?
1. All Government Restrictions Lifted
This is the best case prospect, though currently looks the least likely. If compulsory travel and social distancing restrictions were lifted, schools would have to make their own judgements as to whether a full programme of inter-school matches would be desirable. Wary of bringing infection back into the community, especially in a boarding situation, schools may choose to limit their external contacts. Plans would need to consider attitudes to this, and whether a different format for inter-school sport might be devised. Also relevant would be whether some attempt could be made to offer the missed opportunities from the summer term, for example autumn Cricket, Tennis and Athletics.
2. No Inter-School Sport
If schools are able to play all their usual games, but not travel for external opposition, this presents a different challenge. Internal programmes might include the traditional games, but would probably also require some variety. There is an opportunity to dilute the focus on a single sport, experiment with some possibilities which might also include some summer term activities. The chance to investigate the value of alternative activities and be flexible with seasons could positively influence the programme of the future.
3. No Contact Rugby
Social distancing is at the other end of a continuum from contact Rugby. It is hard to envisage a full Rugby programme whilst any restrictions remain – possibly until there is a vaccine. Those schools where Rugby is the dominant autumn term activity for boys would face a considerable challenge. Replacing it with an alternative code of Football might have implications for the future of the game in following years. Replacing it with boys’ Hockey would require adjusting the girls’ seasons. A varied programme of recreational sport might be unsatisfactory, especially if conducted alongside a traditional programme of girls’ games. Consideration would also have to be given to what would happen if non-contact Rugby proved a possibility. Would a term of touch Rugby really satisfy? Other sports could be subject to restrictions: could Netball and Basketball be played in gloves which had to be disposed of after every session?
4. No Team Sports at all
This is the disaster scenario. Most National Governing Bodies were quick to outlaw all activity in March, and will face tricky decisions about what is allowed or encouraged in the forthcoming winter season. Any restrictions devised for clubs are likely to extend into education. Schools will be guided by this, but also by their own assessment of acceptable risk. A term-long programme of functional conditioning might expose limitations in the appeal of this type of activity, and would, at best, demand considerable creativity to maintain pupil interest. If balls could not be kicked, hit, thrown or caught, games sessions would need a lot of imagination to maintain enthusiasm. British schools in China are returning, but in heavily restricted circumstances. These include the prohibition of all activities with “object contact”. This includes all types of balls – even shuttlecocks and beanbags. This could be a possibility for the UK.
Nothing is certain, except that 2020 will be unlike any autumn term that has preceded it. It may have a legacy for games programmes for years to come. It is unlikely that what was previously regarded as “normal” can be restored until there are medical developments which dispel all concerns regarding travel and social distancing. A new “normal” will develop in due course, but no one yet knows what this might look like.
There will be considerable challenges for Directors of Sport in all schools. They will be dealing with situations they have never encountered or envisaged. The economic climate will be uncertain, staffing unstable and restrictions fluctuating. It will demand creativity, collaboration and contingency planning. Better start soon!