Winter Sports Season Decision Sparks HCPSS Debate

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Because of the continued high rates of COVID-19 infections in Howard County, officials with the Howard County Public School System have canceled the 2020-2021 winter sports season. The start of the season has been postponed several times and most recently was scheduled to start Jan. 11.

Officials noted that they had hoped the community health metrics "would improve in time for a modified season." Howard County remains above the 6 percent COVID-19 test positivity rate with a case rate of more than 30 per 100,000, the district noted.

"Unfortunately, at this point, any additional postponement would result in a competition season of a maximum of one week due to the required number of practice days required by the state," the district said in a statement. "Understandably, this decision will be very disappointing for student-athletes and their families who had last year’s winter season cut short and this year’s season canceled due to the pandemic. Winter athletic coaches will continue to engage and support student-athletes virtually through the scheduled conclusion of the season on Feb. 13."

The fall athletics season is scheduled to begin in-person practices Feb. 13. Online registration for fall athletics will begin Jan. 12.

People commented on the district's Facebook page following the announcement, noting how neighboring counties and states were proceeding with winter sports.

Katie Winder posted that the situation is "far from ideal" but "leaning toward caution is safer. ...in this situation, there is really no good for everyone choice but I am glad that the intention is there to keep our community as safe as possible."

Laura Greene Hartman countered, noting that other places have moved forward with indoor sports.

"Amazing how they manage to figure it out. And no they’re not being reckless they are being smart and realistic," Hartman wrote.

Keith Janelli posted that the pause on winter sports is for the "safety of everyone in our community, not individual families."

"Nobody is staying isolated so everyone can spread the virus. The idea is to contain the virus...why don’t people realize this? Allowing close contact/proximity sports only serves to exacerbate a spreading virus," he wrote.

Megan Roth addressed "how awful" the school year has been for HCPSS seniors.

"Outdoor sports (spring) should happen. Hold senior games for all canceled sports. Allow drama and music programs to perform outside. Don’t let their senior year consist of sitting in front a computer day after day after day," she posted.