School Sports Can Begin Again In Maryland, Officials Say

MARYLAND — Falls sports may soon start up again in some Maryland school districts, officials said Thursday. While the season will be abbreviated to about seven weeks, authorities expect the offering of some type of group sports to help bolster mental health for young people.

Local school systems may begin their interscholastic athletic programs Wednesday, Oct. 7, Gov. Larry Hogan and State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon said in an announcement.

“Getting our kids back on the playing field and allowing youth sports to resume this fall is critical for the social and mental wellb-eing of our students,” Hogan said, speaking at a news conference in Frederick. “Now that all 24 jurisdictions have submitted plans to resume in-person instruction, allowing fall sports to begin next month marks another important step on our road to recovery.”

Maryland is one of seven states that have not allowed school sports to resume, the state reported.

So far, authorities say 11 of the state's 24 school systems have made clear they plan to offer in-person athletic opportunities for the fall: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, St. Mary’s, Washington and Worcester counties.

“The steps taken today are directly related to the need of our students to be active and engaged for their physical, social, and emotional well-being," Salmon said. "These programs have a history of providing opportunities for all students, and not just those with the economic capabilities, to participate.”

Here is the schedule outlined by the state for school sports, which must follow health protocols like wearing face coverings:

Fall Season

• Fall practices may start Oct. 7.
• Fall competition may begin Oct. 27.
• Fall last play date: Dec. 12.
• Last fall event: Dec. 14 to 19

Winter sports: Practice may begin Dec. 14

Spring sports: Practice may begin March 15.

Schools will be required to adhere to capacity limits established in all jurisdictions.

The Maryland Department of Health released Best Practices and Guidance for Youth Sports, and the CDC has published Considerations for Youth Sports to help people prepare.

See Also:

• Fall, Winter Sports Seasons Postponed For Maryland High Schools

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