Dear MCPS Community:

Following are key updates regarding the operations of the MCPS athletics program, which align with the latest Board of Health regulation approved by the Montgomery County Council on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. The guidelines below apply through May 28, 2021, when the Board of Health regulation expires. Additionally, updates regarding spring state competition and the return of conditioning and weight rooms are provided.

Face Coverings

Outdoors

Face coverings are not required outdoors, but persons who are not fully vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings outdoors. This applies to all stakeholders and outdoor operations of the MCPS athletics program, including participation and competition.

Indoors (no changes to existing protocols)

For indoor sports, masks shall be worn at all times, except for wrestling and gymnastics as noted below:

• Wrestling – during wrestling matches, a mask could become a choking hazard and is discouraged unless an adult coach or official is closely monitoring for safety purposes.

• Gymnastics – masks shall not be worn while on apparatuses.

Spectators, coaches, and officials must wear masks at all times indoors.

Buses (no changes to existing protocols)

Face coverings are still required at all times on MCPS buses.

Spectators

• There are no limits to the number of spectators for outdoor contests. Gathering limits for indoor facilities are limited to 250.

• Spectators must comply with face covering expectations. Face coverings are not required outdoors, but persons who are not fully vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings outdoors. Masks shall be worn at all times indoors.

• Effective May 19, spectator lists will no longer be required for contests.

• Social distancing (6 feet) must occur to the extent possible, both indoors and outdoors. The number of spectators may be limited, if social distancing cannot be maintained.

• Admission for contests will be complimentary through the regular season (June 5).

• Details regarding postseason competition will be provided in the coming weeks.

Spring State Competition

Today, the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) Board of Control overwhelmingly approved the return of region and state competition for the spring season. As a result, MCPS will be participating in region and state competition, along with county postseason competition for select sports. Postseason competition will occur June 5-19, 2021. Details and logistics will be provided in the coming weeks.

Pole Vault

With the return of state competition and changes in guidance, student-athletes will be able to engage in pole vault beginning on Monday, May 24, 2021. Details regarding practice and competition opportunities will be communicated through track and field coaches.

Winter Senior Showcases

Winter Senior Showcases will occur during the week of May 24-28. The schedule, including times and locations, is available here. Thank you sport directors and coaches for your efforts in organizing these opportunities for our student-athletes. Congratulations to the Class of 2021!

Conditioning and Weight Rooms

Conditioning and the use of weight rooms may begin on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. More details regarding the return of conditioning and off-season activities will be provided next week.

Fall Sports Season

MCPS is planning for a full return to operations for the fall season of the 2021-22 school year. Tryouts and practices for high schools start on August 11, 2021; details will be provided through the local school and team(s). Registration will open in mid-July through ParentVue.

Moving Forward

Per the County Council’s action, the current regulation would be automatically rescinded on May 28, when 50% of the County population would be fully vaccinated. An update will be provided, in order to comply with any remaining state and county regulations.

Communication and Resources

Our COVID-19 Task Force for MCPS Athletics will continue to evaluate and implement the latest safety measures. Updates and guidance from the Task Force will continue to be provided on a weekly basis through each school’s athletic department and are available on the COVID-19 Athletics Information webpage.

We appreciate your continued commitment and support. Specific questions should be directed to your school’s athletics specialist (AD), athletic coordinator (AC), or coach.

Montgomery County Public Schools