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Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) interscholastic athletics has developed the Return to R.A.I.S.E. Strategic Plan, which will guide the safe return of the MCPS interscholastic athletics program, due to COVID-19. The initial phase of this plan is currently being applied to the virtual delivery of the MCPS interscholastic athletics program. Subsequent phases will provide guidance to the in-person operations of MCPS Athletics and align with guidance from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA), Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Montgomery County health and safety mandates and recommendations. Additional information and resources are being outlined below to assist student-athletes, families, and coaches through this process. The most current updates regarding COVID-19 and the in-person operations of MCPS Athletics will be posted on this web page. For more information regarding the virtual delivery of MCPS Athletics, please visit the R.A.I.S.E. Reimagined web page.
Update on the MCPS Interscholastic Athletics Program - December 16, 2020
Latest updates from the MPSSAA: MPSSAA Interscholastic Athletic Competition Season Update
Virtual Seasons - Athletic Registration - All students participating in the fall, winter, and spring virtual seasons, as part of the MCPS interscholastic athletics program, must complete the online registration process. Registration is done electronically through the school specific athletics registration link posted on the school’s website. Students must have a valid physical on file with the school. Given the unprecedented circumstances, for students who are unable to secure an updated physical, MCPS will extend the expiration date of an existing physical by one calendar year. To the extent a student does not have a physical on file with the school, the student will need to obtain one. Due to the strenuous nature of selected activities, each student is encouraged to consult their physician concerning fitness to participate in the program. During any live engagement, parents/guardians and students must ensure that surroundings are free of obstacles and that an appropriate plan is in place on how to access help in the event of an emergency.
Student-athlete participation in the first semester of virtual seasons does not guarantee or impact placement on a team roster during second semester.
As part of the online registration process for MCPS Athletics, students and parents/guardians must review key COVID-19 resources recommended by the Maryland State Department of Education, and complete a pledge form that acknowledges completion of the form and agreement to stated conditions of participation. The pledge form also includes acknowledgment of the symptom free requirements from the CDC for attendance at any gathering or event. The resources that are required readings for MCPS Athletics are:
What you should know about COVID-19 to protect yourself and others
Share facts about COVID-19
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children(MIS-C)
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions from the Maryland State Health Department
COVID-19 Awareness: Parent/Student-Athlete Participation Acknowledgement Statements
In planning for a variety of possible scenarios, MCPS Athletics is currently scheduling for the following contingencies in regard to games/contests: