Athletics→ COVID-19 - Guiding Principles and Task Force 

COVID-19 Task Force for MCPS Athletics 

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) interscholastic athletics has developed the Return to R.A.I.S.E. Strategic Plan Phase 1, which will guide the safe return of the MCPS interscholastic athletics program, due to COVID-19. MCPS Athletics is committed to promoting the safe return of in-person out-of-season activities, incorporating state and local guidelines and recommendations, as soon as possible. 

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. 

Guiding Principles 

As MCPS Athletics continues the implementation of the Return to R.A.I.S.E. Strategic Plan, the following guiding principles will drive operations. The guiding principles incorporate the R.A.I.S.E. core values of MCPS Athletics. MCPS Athletics is committed to: 

1. Promoting our core values of equity and access to allow for the participation for ALL students. 
2. Ensuring the gradual, safe return of student-athletes to in-person participation in interscholastic athletic activities. 
3. Maximizing participation opportunities, including the timely implementation and incremental transition to new phases. 
4. Providing ongoing communication regarding the current operations of the MCPS Athletics program, in alignment with state and local guidelines, considerations, and recommendations. 

Task Force Recommendations and Updates 

• The COVID-19 Task Force for MCPS Athletics has met four times to discuss the MPSSAA Roadmap and the safe return of the MCPS athletics program. The task force, along with the 25 MCPS high school athletics specialists (ADs) unanimously support the actions that follow. 
• July 17th - The COVID-19 Task Force for MCPS Athletics and the 25 high school athletics specialists (ADs) unanimously recommend that all stipend coaches and athletic department personnel complete the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) free online course COVID-19 for Coaches and Administrators. Students and parents/guardians are also encouraged to take the course.
• July 17th - At the unanimous recommendation of the COVID-19 Task Force for MCPS Athletics, MCPS will continue in Phase 1 of the Return to R.A.I.S.E. plan, which provides guidance for the virtual engagement of out-of-season activities and prohibits in-person activities, through August 11, 2020. Therefore all in-person summer conditioning and activities are cancelled through this time.