Impact of COVID-19

COVID-19 has had significant impacts on our lives and we are seeing changes in the way people are keeping active and participating in sporting activities. Some of the emerging trends follow:

• People are starting to look for products and experiences that align with their sense of purpose.
• People are reporting that their physical and mental wellbeing has been negatively impacted during this period.
• Significant economic impact on society and less disposable income for individuals to spend on sport due to job insecurity and losses.
• Loss of important social support systems and connections.

2019/20 AusPlay data showed early impacts of COVID-19, including:

• 33% of parents/guardians were very concerned about clubs not being able to operate.
• 31% were very concerned about sport causing COVID-19 to be spread in the community.
• 30% were very concerned about being around people who may not follow health rules.
• Children were more impacted than adults; less than one in five Australian children were active in organised activities outside of school during lockdown.

What this could mean for sport?

• The first action is to always follow government and public health authorities advice regarding the resumption and delivery of sporting activities in each jurisdiction.
• Check in with members and see if their views about how they want to participate in sport have changed and what their barriers to joining or returning to sport might be.
• Consider if your product offerings are still fit for purpose and re-align the offer based on new insights into what current and target participants want.
• Review the latest AusPlay - Early impact of COVID-19 on sport and physical activity participation - 2020to understand some of the concerns and impacts sport participants are reporting.
• Find ways to instil member, participant and volunteer trust and engagement.
• Improve safety practices and protocols to align with heightened hygiene expectations and concerns of participants.
• Develop contingency plans for a changing environment, your planning may need to be more agile and responsive.
• Consider how and if digital products could complement your sport offering.
• Rationalise costs to reduce fees wherever possible given financial strain people may be facing.

Resources