As the U.S. works toward what might be its soft reopening (with some states going a little softer than others), the sports industry is feeling its way toward that much-hated term, the new normal, as well. Some new documents with guidelines for live events could help make things easier; after all, who hasn't wanted a road map for unfamiliar territory?

If an anti-COVID vaccine becomes available, will youth sports require it? It's impossible to say, considering that a vaccine is still in the developmental stages - and nowhere near being offered, much less required. But judging from the pushback over other vaccines, from polio to measles to the flu, we can expect a fight - and a need for a policy.

If it hadn't been for that virus, it would have been a great year for sports. That might sound like sour grapes but in this case, it's true. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association's 2020 State of the Industry Report, the industry grew nearly a little less than five percent in one year. So what was growing? Read on and find out.

With COVID-19 putting the brakes on almost every state games, national multi-sport events that require athletes to qualify at their local level find themselves in a difficult position. Events that cater to senior athletes are even harder hit. The National Senior Games Association, however, has found a solution that could serve as a template for others.

With walk-in recruiting stations, community fairs and high school presentations (previously some of its most effective avenues of enlistment) shut down for now, the U.S. Army has a new battle plan to attract troops. This one is driven by an elite squadron of esports professionals. The new strategy plays out in (wait for it) Call of Duty tournaments.

Did the AAU jump the gun in announcing its junior volleyball championship would go on as scheduled? It appears someone thought so. While one announcement (made less than 10 days ago) noted the June event in Orlando would be going forward, AAU almost immediately had to walk that back. Here's what went down, what was at stake and what was said.