Athletics→ COVID-19

COVID-19 ATHLETICS INFORMATION

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.

MCPS Athletics Status - Current 

Update on the MCPS Interscholastic Athletics Program - December 16, 2020

 

Latest updates from the MPSSAA: MPSSAA Interscholastic Athletic Competition Season Update

  • MCPS is currently in Phase 1 of the Return to R.A.I.S.E. Strategic Plan.
  • Phase 1 of the Return to R.A.I.S.E. Strategic plan will guide operations until further notice.  No in-person activities, including conditioning, are allowed.
  • All sports may be operating in the Lowest Risk: Performing skill-building drills or conditioning at home, alone or with family members, per Phase 1 of the Return to R.A.I.S.E. Strategic Plan. 
  • School coaching staffs may meet virtually regarding sport-specific instruction with up to two returning student-athletes per day, per MPSSAA regulations.

MCPS Athletics Previous Announcements

Information for Student-Athletes and Parents

  •  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:

     
  • New - Waiver of Liability & Hold Harmless Release Related to COVID-19 for Participation in Interscholastic Athletics - In addition to the MSDE/MPSSAA acknowledgement form above, families must complete this MCPS form to participate in Athletic Activities. 
  • Pre-participation Physical Evaluation Form (MCPS Form SR-8 with new MPSSAA COVID-19 supplemental questions) - This form is valid for one year (for high school athletes) and two years (for middle school athletes) from the date of the exam and covers participation for all sports within that time period. This form must be completed and/or on file before a student-athlete can participate.  All new physicals as of July 20, 2020 must include the COVID-19 supplemental information.
  • Eligibility – the Montgomery County Board of Education took action on academic eligibility for extracurricular activities. The Board approved an exemption to the academic eligibility policy for 4th marking period during the 2019-2020 school year and the first semester for the 2020-2021 school year. Therefore, all secondary students are eligible now and will remain academically eligible for the first and second marking periods of the 2020-2021 school year.
  • Information on how to Submit Electronic Signatures from Parents or Guardians for current forms.

Information for Coaches and Athletic Departments

COVID-19 Task Force for MCPS Athletics

  • A task force has been meeting to plan and implement the Return to R.A.I.S.E. Strategic Plan and plan for the safe return of the MCPS athletics program. 
  • The guiding principles for the task force are: 
    • Promoting our core values of equity and access to allow for the participation for ALL students. 
    • Ensuring the gradual, safe return of student-athletes to in-person participation in interscholastic athletic activities. 
    • Maximizing participation opportunities, including the timely implementation and incremental transition to new phases. 
    • Providing ongoing communication regarding the current operations of the MCPS Athletics program, in alignment with state and local guidelines, considerations, and recommendations. 
     
  • The task force consists of the representation of central athletics unit, athletics specialists (ADs), principals coaches, officials, athletic trainers, transportation, facilities, systemwide safety, extracurricular activities, and fine arts. Recommendations will be shared with MCPS leadership and county health officials for review and approval, to ensure alignment with MCPS and county operational and health guidelines.

Scheduling Athletic Contests for 2020-2021

In planning for a variety of possible scenarios, MCPS Athletics is currently scheduling for the following contingencies in regard to games/contests:

  • Regular schedule
  • Delayed start to the fall season
  • 4-6 week “pod” of contests that could potentially be moved and shifted, as needed throughout the school year
  • Only in-county competition
  • Most MCPS divisions are geographically based by school location. This shapes up nicely, per CDC guidelines, if we need to only compete in clusters of schools, by sport.
  • Preliminary discussion on local-school intramurals
  • Virtual engagement opportunities

MCPS and Athletic Resources

State and Local Government Resources