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Roadmap for Return of Interscholastic Athletics (COVID-19 Updates)

MPSSAA Roadmap for Return of Interscholastic Athletics Update Page

The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association Roadmap for the Return of Interscholastic Athletics is designed to provide guidance for local school systems (LSS) to resocialize students in athletics and activities in a safe and controlled environment. The MPSSAA is committed to continuously work with the State Superintendent of Schools, LSS, the medical community, and counterpart state associations to develop plans that will return these highly educational programs with a goal of maximizing student participation. This page will serve as a resource for the MPSSAA community to track the current efforts for the return of athletics and activities and next steps for the association.

Current Update (January 12, 2021)

Current Status:

Local School Systems (LSS) shall utilize the Covid-19 Guidance for Maryland Schools, Maryland Department of Health metrics, and local health department guidance to determine the extent of participation in their respective LSS. Decisions shall be in full compliance with state and local health orders and regulations.
LSS shall compete within defined competition timeframes as well as determined systemwide out-of-season options to make respective LSS decisions regarding interscholastic athletic and extracurricular activities.
- Competition Seasons Option 1:
  - Winter Sports:
    - First Available Practice Date: December 7, 2020
    - First Available Competition Date: January 4, 2021
    - Last Play Date including Culminating Events: March 13, 2021
  - Spring Sports:
    - First Available Practice Date: March 15, 2021
    - First Available Competition Date: April 5, 2021
    - Last Play Date including Culminating Events: June 19, 2021
- Competition Seasons Option 2:
  - Winter Sports:
    - First Available Practice Date: December 7, 2020
    - First Available Competition Date: January 4, 2021
    - Last Play Date including Culminating Events: February 13, 2021
  - Fall Sports:
    - First Available Practice Date: February 13, 2021
    - First Available Competition Date: March 5, 2021
    - Last Play Date including Culminating Events: April 17, 2021
  - Spring Sports:
    - First Available Practice Date: April 17, 2021
    - First Available Competition Date: May 7, 2021
    - Last Play Date including Culminating Events: June 19, 2021
LSS should utilize daily screening based on their respective educational agency decisions on screening. Guidance on screening can be found in the Covid-19 Guidance for Maryland Schools and the MPSSAA Roadmap for the Return of Interscholastic Athletics. The CDC does not recommend universal testing of all students and staff as a prerequisite to school attendance.
Individual team and sport mitigation strategies should be implemented to further reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19. These mitigation strategies can be found in the MPSSAA Roadmap for the Return of Interscholastic Athletics and in the individual sport settings of this publication.

Individual Sport Bulletins and Mitigation Information

Shared Responsibility - Games and Events will be contested on the basis of shared responsibilities. Personnel from the visiting schools must accept their joint responsibilities with the persons in charge for supervision and maintenance of behavior on the part of students, spectators, and participants. This includes COVID-19 mitigation policies and procedures, good sportsmanship, exemplary behavior, and protection of property are of primary importance before, during and after each contest.

Point of Emphasis - The MPSSAA would like to make a point of emphasis for athletic administrators, coaches, student-athletes, parents, and spectators. All are reminded that you set the tone for your team and are the foremost influential figures representing your school. Your adherence and the adherence of your team and school to the mitigation requirements and recommendations will be a determining factor on the ability of these programs to continue operating within the modifications caused by COVID-19.

Size of Gatherings and Openings:

Please refer to the latest information regarding the Governor's COVID-19 Pandemic: Orders and Guidance
Please refer to the latest guidance from the Maryland Health Department. (Updated November 17, 2020)