From the Dugout: Delicate Balance in Reopening Sport

May 1, 2020

By Terry Hennessy
SSUSA CEO

Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA) is pleased to be featured in this week’s edition of Time Magazine ('I’m Anxious to Get Out and Compete.' Senior Citizens Still Plan to Play in Travel Softball Tournaments During the COVID-19 Pandemic, written by Sean Gregory – Senior Editor/Senior Sports Correspondent TIME).

I’d like to address the financial issue that was raised in the story.

Deciding to re-open our sport isn’t “all about the money” for any Senior Softball organization.

It about an impossible balance that faces every sport and business in the United States today.

On the one hand, there are medical professionals who would like everyone – especially seniors – to stay away from any type of crowd until there are vaccines or treatments or a national testing system that ensures they are safe.

On the other hand, there are the economists who warn that extended lockdowns may throw the country into another Great Depression for several years to come.

In the middle are policy makers – those folks who must balance these two diametrically opposed views when deciding when to re-open – and how.  That is true in sports and all other businesses today.

And there is no clear answer.

Senior Softball-USA’s position (and all other national softball organizations, for that matter) has been to develop new standards based on CDC and WHO guidelines to make the sport as safe as possible when local officials decide it is OK to play on the fields.

Is money part of the equation? Yes, of course.  SSUSA revenue supports employees, umpires and directors throughout the country.

In addition, SSUSA infuses more than $164 million a year into the communities in which we hold tournaments every year. That equates to jobs in hotels, restaurants, travel, and shopping in the 90 cities in which we hold tournaments.

It is small considering other major industries, but it means continued jobs for scores of families in those cities.

This does NOT mean we don’t care about the health concerns. 

That is why we have developed guidelines to make the sport as safe as possible once we are able to play again.

Is this a perfect system that ensures no one will contract the COVID-19 virus at tournaments, or in any group?

Again, the answer is no.  To be clear, there is a danger during this pandemic – until there is a vaccine or effective treatment developed – that players could contract the virus. 

Every player – and their families – must decide if they want to play knowing the potential risks.

I won’t sugar-coat the situation you all face.  Just know I am 68 and I play and I face the same situation.  My family is not crazy about the fact that I will play.  But it is my decision because I believe the steps we are taking will make the sport safer during a very uncertain time.

You need to make your own decision knowing the facts and the risks.

SSUSA intends to be here after the pandemic runs its course – and I hope to see you on the field when you feel it is right for you. 

Terry Hennessy is chief executive officer of Senior Softball USA and can be reached at terryh@seniorsoftball.com.