Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, group activities have effectively been canceled this summer. If you're following the social distancing recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that means a summer without those big family barbecues, outdoor concerts, and team sports, too.
Yes, though the fresh air and green space are tempting after being cooped up at home for months, the CDC warns against playing sports with others outside. "In general, most organized activities and sports, such as basketball, baseball, soccer, and football that are held on park fields, open areas, and courts are not recommended," the CDC says. "These activities and sports typically require coaches and athletes who are not from the same household or living unit to be in close proximity, which increases their potential for exposure to COVID-19."
To keep communities safe, social sports clubs and recreational programs around the country have stopped operating. Meanwhile, cities have removed basketball hoops on public courts and taken down tennis nets to prevent pick-up games. And that's not even accounting for the professional leagues.