Returning to Sport: Getting Your Facility Ready for Post-Lockdown Action
Lockdown fatigue is a term we've all become familiar with, and it's something we hear from everyone we speak to. We’ve all had enough of Joe Wicks workouts and virtual 5k challenges, and we're eager to get back out on the pitch, court, or field. The wait is nearly over, but the transition back to sport will require careful planning, especially for facility owners. With this in mind, we’ve spoken with our customers, including councils, club pitches, and sports centres, to understand their plans for returning to sport after the Covid lockdowns.
What to Expect When Returning to Sport
While we all look forward to the return of full contact sports, it's unlikely that we'll see an immediate return to the same competitive environment we were used to before Covid-19. Full league and cup competitions may not resume in the same way right away. It’s essential to keep an eye on the latest regulations as they continue to evolve. Early stages may involve smaller training groups—sometimes as small as two individuals—as one of the first steps toward getting back into sports.
Non-contact sports, or those with limited contact, are more likely to return sooner. People may be dusting off their golf clubs or tennis rackets, hoping to channel their inner McIlroy or Williams.
Plan Ahead: Prepare Your Facility for the Return to Sport
For facility owners, the key now is to start re-engaging with your customers. Reach out to block bookers or local clubs to find out when they plan to return. With Pitchbooking, you’ll have all the information you need at your fingertips, enabling you to streamline block bookings and make the process smoother once it’s safe to do so.
The moment group chats start buzzing with messages like "5 A SIDE MONDAY AT 9", the next question will undoubtedly be, "Where?" It’s more important than ever to ensure that your facility’s availability is transparent and easily accessible. This reduces the number of enquiries and helps potential customers get to grips with the latest Covid regulations.
Pro-Tip: Use Pitchbooking's Features to Stay Transparent
With Pitchbooking’s online system, you can provide instant access to your pitch availability and allow customers to make bookings easily. This eliminates the back-and-forth of phone calls or emails, ensuring your customers can book at their convenience. For further details, check out how our facility booking system works to streamline this process.
Communicating Covid-19 Policies Clearly
Communicating your updated policies around Covid-19 is essential. To keep patrons informed, Pitchbooking offers customisable booking confirmation emails that can include your latest policies. This is an effective strategy to ensure that everyone is on the same page before they even arrive. If your current system doesn’t support this, it's a good idea to display clear signage around your venue as a reminder of the latest health and safety guidelines.
Payments: Moving Away from Cash Transactions
The next big step is moving away from cash payments. This shift has been gaining momentum, and it's more important now than ever. In fact, since 2018, Oxford City Council has only accepted online and invoice payments for sports facility bookings. This approach has become the norm, not just in council facilities but also in clubs and teams.
Rather than relying on cash or the infamous biscuit tin for collecting subs, clubs can look at alternatives like TeamFeePay, which provides an easy, secure, and efficient way for teams to collect payments online.
The Importance of Flexibility During the Return to Sport
We all share the frustration of not being able to engage in community sport as we once did. However, the priority remains that sport returns only when it’s safe to do so. Therefore, it's essential to prepare for a flexible and gradual return.
In the first few weeks, we suggest offering flexibility to clubs and facilities as they adjust to the new normal. This will allow you to gather feedback and make adjustments where necessary, ensuring a safe and seamless return to sport for everyone.
Key Steps to Take Now
Here’s a quick checklist for facility owners to prepare for the return to sport:
- Reach out to local clubs, teams, and block bookers to gauge when they’ll return.
- Use Pitchbooking to monitor availability and streamline block bookings.
- Communicate your latest Covid-19 policies through booking confirmations or signage.
- Consider moving to contactless payments to ensure a smoother, safer transaction process.
- Stay flexible in the early weeks, and gather feedback to improve the experience.
Learn More
Want to know how Pitchbooking can support your facility's return to sport? Explore our knowledge centre for helpful resources and tips. Also, visit our event page to stay updated on any upcoming webinars or workshops that can help you make the most of Pitchbooking’s features.
By preparing now and ensuring your systems are in place, you’ll be able to provide a smooth, safe, and efficient return to sport for your customers. Get ready to welcome players back with open arms and a well-organised facility.