Limited Spectators To Be Allowed At HCPSS Sporting Events

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Spectators will be allowed at upcoming sporting events for Howard County Public School System student-athletes. There will be a maximum of 250 people at outdoor events and 100 indoors, which includes players, coaches, officials and other essential personnel. Fall sports will begin March 5.

All rostered student-athletes on varsity and junior varsity teams will initially be provided with two passes from their school to provide to family members that can be used to enter home games. Because of the strict limitations on maximum occupancy at this time, only spectators for the home team may attend the game and must have a school-issued pass with them.

Buses will transport student-athletes to away games and all distancing protocols that are implemented on buses to and from school will also be enforced on buses to and from games. Students may secure alternate transportation to and from away games if they provide the school with a written note at least 24 hours in advance. Parents who choose to drive their student-athlete to away games will not be permitted to enter the game as a spectator at this time.

The fall athletics season was pushed back from its original start date and began with practices starting Feb. 13. All games will be held in-county and against Howard County high schools. There will not be a state tournament or state championship events. Game schedules will be shared by schools with student-athletes and families. HCPSS will continue to monitor state orders and adjust accordingly if the state allows additional capacity at outdoor and indoor venues, the district noted.