World – both as a way of keeping healthy, thus reducing the impact on each country’s fiscus, and as a form of entertainment to reduce anxiety during these challenging times. Both contact and non-contact sports play a huge role – be it recreational or professional. When Covid-19 started in China and spread around the world, the advised remedy was social distancing, being hygienic, and wearing a mask. We all anticipated challenges with training and playing of sports. Professional sports are affected, and the economies of various countries are suffering. Socially, it meant that people’s health was also negatively affected.

The Department of Health and the World Health Organization was important in giving guidelines on how to stay safe and healthy – even at the expense of athletes’ livelihood of earning a living. In South Africa, Dr. Irvin Khoza, the Professional Soccer League (PSL) Chairman vociferously advocated for the return of football to be played – rightfully so.

For Sport to return we need Compliance Officers – but can all afford them?

When the countries open their economies and sport, in particular, the safety measures must be stringent to make sure that athletes, officials, their families stay safe – hence in all countries Compliance Officers are a must so you can be granted permission to play one’s sport. It is very important for sports to be played behind closed doors – without supporters for safety measures.

The danger with the appointment of Compliance Officers is that professional sports leagues or associations can afford to employ such compliance officers, while amateur or developmental associations cannot. We suggest employing young health professionals for this new role.

How do we make sure that developmental or amateur sports can have Compliance Officers? We are of the view that the government should creatively consider giving the role to young health professionals from the nursing profession, or even consider sports students who are under…. taking their practicals at these developmental or amateur sporting codes.

The government, led by the ANC, must be strong and ensure amateur or development sports is not disadvantaged – because of their lack of resources. Even after a vaccine has been found for the Coronavirus – these safety and compliance measures must become our way of life.