The coronavirus has swept across the world causing nearly every sports event to be canceled. The spring sports calendar - and possibly the summer one too - has been hit hard with the NCAA and high school associations calling off every tournament possible. The NCAA Softball World Series was just one of the many events to be canceled outright and the seniors that hoped to play for the sport's top collegiate prize will be unable to fulfil their dreams. COVID-19 has left America's softball fields vacant with players unable to meet for practices. Social distancing has made it nearly impossible for teams to get together to play, practice, or simply talk about the game. It is claimed the coronavirus will have a detrimental effect on professional women's sports around the world. In recent years, women's sports have made tremendous strides with talk of equal pay amongst a rise in viewers and sponsors. However, the coronavirus and its spread will have a bigger and far longer lasting impact on amateur sports.

Softball teams just want to play

Every spring and summer in the United States, girls fastpitch softball teams gear up for the travel season. Tournaments around the lower 48 states take teams to every nook and cranny of the country. Yet, this spring and summer, those softball fields could be left empty as thousands of fastpitch travel softball teams remain at home. Tournaments are already being canceled if they haven't been already.

The US is currently on lockdown - or at least close to it - and there is no guarantee when measures will be lifted. The uncertainty has left teams unable to practice and plan for the summer ahead. It has also prevented tournaments from being organized by teams and sponsors. COVID-19 and the fear of contracting it has made it impossible to plan for a summer of travel fastpitch softball. Parents rightfully fear that their daughters could contract the virus and spread it to others. In addition, coaches do not want to put their players in harm's way and take unnecessary risks. In addition, parents, staff, and other individuals runs the risk of contracting coronavirus while traveling around the country to play fastpitch softball.

On March 15th, the CDC recommended events of over 50 people be canceled for eight weeks at the very least. The hope is the coronavirus will peak during that time and life can get back to semi-normality afterwards. The good news for girls travel fastpitch softball is the tournaments set for the summer could go ahead as planned. That is a best-case scenario. Of course, tournaments will be up to the organizers in the end and teams will participate if they feel it is possible to do so.

Training during the coronavirus outbreak

Softball players - and athletes of various sports - are now forced to stay fit and practice on their own. Outdoor activity is still allowed and athletes can work on fitness training on runs while practicing social distancing. Softball players have been able to use various training tools to keep their arms in shape. Pitch rebounders and even tires hanging from the back of a garage are being used by fastpitch softball pitchers to workout in spite of the tournament cancelations and practice absences. Although playing catch does technically offer the chance to be socially distant from other players, the throwing of a ball from one person to another can be risky. Therefore, playing catch with family members may be the only option players have to keep their arms in shape right now.

Spanish professional soccer club Leganes have used modern technology for players to connect with the team's athletic trainer during the country's lockdown. The club's trainer, Pol Lorente, used Twitch to contact players to demonstrate various exercises everyone can do.

Modern technology makes it possible for fastpitch softball coaches to stay in contact with players and to offer practices. While options for practice can be limited, there are ways that players can train on their own. It may take some creativity from coaches, however.

The hope for girls fastpitch softball teams is the future. Spring tournaments and some early summer ones may be canceled, but mid-summer could yield travel events. Of course, with the COVID-19 outbreak, anything can happen. In early February, there was no idea that the world's sports calendar - amateur or professional - could grind to a halt. Things changed quickly and once the coronavirus is contained and/or peaks, things could once again change rapidly.

At some point soon, this will all end and our girls will be back on the field. Let's all stay safe until then.