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 (August 3, 2020)
State's Recovery Efforts:
MPSSAA Guidance:
According to the latest Maryland Health Department orders, “High school and college athletics may resume sports gatherings and events, but may not open to spectators or the general public. For contact sports (e.g., wrestling, basketball, and football), play should be modified to safely increase distance between players following CDC guidance.”
What Does This Mean: LSS in compliance with state and local health department guidelines may re-engage student athletes for the purpose of mental, physical, and social-emotional well-being. All local school systems may choose to initiate summer out-of-season school-based open conditioning, exercise, weight training, and non-sport specific student gatherings. Schools are recommended to implement the preparation phase found in the MPSSAA Guidance.
On August 3, 2020, The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA), in consultation with the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), and the Public School Superintendent Association of Maryland (PSSAM), has decided to postpone the 2020 high school fall and winter competition season during the first semester. This decision comes in light of the recent announcements of local school systems to begin education virtually and provides each school system with options for the gradual increase of student engagement for the physical and social-emotional health of students.
With this announcement, local school systems will be able to use MPSSAA waiver regulations as approved by the Maryland State Board of Education on June 23, 2020 for student engagement during the first semester. The MPSSAA, the MDH, and the PSSAM will continue to collaborate on finalizing a hybrid two-semester plan focused on student engagement options in the first semester and modified competition seasons for all sports during the second semester. Details of the hybrid two-semester plan will be available in the coming weeks prior to the start of the 2020-2021 academic year.
MPSSAA Status - Current:
- All athletics and activities may be operating in the Lowest Risk: Performing skill-building drills or conditioning at home, alone, or with family members. This includes school system approved virtual engagement.
- All LSS at their discretion may implement Increasing Risk: Summer out-of-season school-based open conditioning, exercise, weight training, and non-sport specific student gatherings. This will apply until school's start the first semester, in which additional guidance will be available for out-of-season student interaction options.
MPSSAA Status - What’s Next:
- The MPSSAA, the MDH, and the PSSAM will continue to collaborate on finalizing a hybrid two-semester plan focused on student engagement options in the first semester and modified competition seasons for all sports during the second semester. Details of the hybrid two-semester plan will be available in the coming weeks prior to the start of the 2020-2021 academic year.
- The two-semester hybrid plan will focus on providing all sports with a modified competition season during the second semester of the 2020-2021 academic year.
- Decisions on state championships or culminating events for the second semester have not been determined at this time as all options are being assessed.
Current Expectation Timeline
- Prior to the start of the 2020-2021 academic year, the MPSSAA will make further announcements in consultation with the MDH, the MSDE, and the PSSAM regarding the two-semester hybrid plan.
- Periodic updates may occur at any time regarding guidance and status updates from the Governor’s office, Maryland Health Department, and the State Superintendent of Schools.
MPSSAA Announcements:
August 3, 2020: MPSSAA Fall and Winter Competition Seasons Postponed
July 7, 2020: MPSSAA Releases Roadmap for Return of Interscholastic Athletics and Activities
June 23, 2020: State Board Of Education Approves Request For Waivers To Athletic Regulations
June 11, 2020: MPSSAA Update on Interscholastic Athletics - Re-engagement of Students
May 5, 2020: MPSSAA Awards All 16 Remaining Teams As State Basketball Tournament Semifinalists
April 28, 2020: MPSSAA Cancellation of Interscholastic Athletics for 2019-20 Academic Year
March 27, 2020: MPSSAA Update on Interscholastic Athletics
March 13, 2020: MPSSAA Update on Interscholastic Athletics
March 12, 2020: MPSSAA State Basketball Championships Postponed
March 11, 2020: Boys & Girls State Basketball Tournaments Contingency Plan Announced
March 6, 2020: Statement Regarding MPSSAA Winter Sport State Championships and COVID-19