Returning to sport after a COVID-19 shutdown: understanding the challenges facing community sport clubs

Rationale/Purpose This study investigates the challenges of returning to sport after a COVID-19 shutdown from perspective community clubs (CSCs). We explore relationship between CSCs identified and nation’s lead agency identified; similarities or differences in faced by different types CSCs.Design/methodology/approach Concept Mapping (online) with 57 Victoria, Australia.Findings eight clusters related (in highest lowest mean impact rating order): volunteers; club culture; health protocols; membership; finances; facilities; competition; governance division responsibility. Cluster ratings differed location, competitive season, venue type, size, type offered.Practical implications The face are more complex broader than current national guidelines suggest, previously existing exacerbated new emerging. Listening is essential understanding nuances of, support needed address context-specific operations shutdown.Research contribution Understanding how they differ for as return sport.