Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Athletics updated their COVID-19 guidelines and announced the return to the RAISE plan, according to a press release. The plan aligns with guidelines from the Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association.
Please see the January 2 update for @MCPSAthletics, which includes important info regarding spectator restrictions, overnight travel, indoor track & field, and program operations. We appreciate your continued support of our student-athletes & program!https://t.co/QiF4ye8cmu
— MCPS Athletics (@MCPSAthletics) January 2, 2022
According to the MCPS website, RAISE stands for:
- Respect and sportsmanship
- Academic excellence
- Integrity and character
- Spirited and safe competition
- Equity and access
The update includes spectator restrictions, overnight travel, team pauses, team communications, scheduling, mask policies and more.
Here is a list summarizing the policy changes:
- Spectators will not be allowed at contests in MCPS facilities through Jan. 16 and an update is expected on or before Jan. 15 for future spectator limitations. Outdoor competitions currently have no limitations.
- All indoor track and field activities and competitions at the PG Sportsplex have been canceled for the season. MCPS is planning for outdoor meets to be held at high school sites. Teams are still allowed to attend indoor meets and invitationals.
- All overnight travel is canceled through Jan. 16 and an update on future overnight travel will be provided on or before Jan. 15.
- Teams are still expected to pause for 14 days if there are three or more active positive COVID-19 cases.
- Teams impacted by positive cases will continue to be informed as well as other schools that could have been exposed.
- Contests postponed before winter break will not be made up, but wrestling teams that had a tournament postponed may participate in a future tournament with approval from the athletics unit.
- Middle school basketball starts Jan. 6.
- Masks or face coverings are required at all times when indoors with the
exception of safety-related exemptions from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. - Parents must give permission for their child to potentially be randomly tested for COVID-19.
The RAISE plan is reviewed on an ongoing basis by the COVID-19 Task Force for MCPS Athletics and may be updated again in the future. To view the latest version at any time, visit the COVID-19 athletics information webpage.
