Evaluation of the Effects of the Covid-19 Outbreak on Private Sports Businesses in Batman Province: a Case Study*

Abstract

Urpose – In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak on private sports businesses in Batman province in Turkey. Design /methodology/ approach – The study population of this research, which was designed as qualitative research; During the Covid-19 pandemic process, includes a total of 13 private sports businesses serving in fitness-bodybuilding, sports-for-all-wellness and gymnastics branches under the supervision and supervision of the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports in Batman City Center. The data of the study were gathered through a semi-structured interview form. In the first part of the interview form consisting of three parts; there are questions about the personal information of the operators, in the second part; there are questions about the field of activity of the private sports business, and in the third part; there are five questions, four structured and one unstructured question. In order to ensure the internal validity of the research, the findings were reviewed by two experts in the field of sports business and management and the main themes were formed. Descriptive and content analysis techniques were utilized in the study. Findings – In the research, it was observed that private sports enterprises were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in three main themes, namely \"financial problems\", \"psychological problems\" and \"uncertainty\", and nine sub-themes under these themes. Discussion – As a result, private sports enterprises were most negatively affected by the Covid-19 outbreak in economic terms. The pandemic caused the operators to experience psychological problems and uncertainty in business management.