RESILIENCE AND ADAPTATION: EVALUATING THE SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON HANDBALL

Abstract

The analysis of the socio-economic crisis and its impact on handball is based on concrete statistical evidence of the financial challenges imposed on handball sector during the COVID-19 crisis. This was exemplified in the cancellation and postponement of sports events. This study further explores the psychological impact of the COVID-19 crisis on players and staff. Alternative training methods, including virtual coaching and individual home training programmes were emphasised as crucial player development strategies. Moreover, the research highlights the important role of financial release packages in mitigating the socio-economic and psychological crisis. The employment decline in handball sector and surrounding industries is being examined along with the sector’s adaptive policies to ensure optimal health conditions. The research aims at defining strategic responses to facilitate the handball tradition continuation and to ensure its visibility by mitigating the financial crisis. It also underlines the long-term shift towards digital and online platforms in sports management and fan engagement. Further research of handball development after the pandemic crisis and predominant online engagement is required. The innovative approaches in sports sponsorship along with the novel digital platforms and social media usage for online engagement are examined. The socio-economic influence of handball as a factor in general economy, both on global and local scale, is recognised through its interconnectedness with travel, commerce and wide range of businesses.