Category: Sports

BCPS Releases Plan for Return of High School Sports


Baltimore County Public Schools has announced its fall re-engagement plan for high school athletics.

According to the plan, student-athletes will return to their school campuses to participate in voluntary conditioning and skill development sessions. The tentative schedule is that the small group sessions (of 20 students or fewer) will take place:

For winter sports Nov. 16 – Dec. 4
For fall sports Dec. 7 – Dec. 30
For spring sports Jan. 4 – Jan. 22

BCPS noted that these dates are subject to change, and activities are subject to cancellation at any time.

Additionally, on Oct. 26, the Maryland State Board of Education voted to approve the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) Proposal to accelerate competitive athletics beginning on Dec. 7. In accordance with this direction, BCPS will also begin competitive sports in the following manner:

Winter season
First practice – Dec. 7
First play date – Jan. 4
Last play date – Feb. 13

Fall season
First practice – Feb. 13
First play date – Mar. 5
Last play date – Apr. 17

Spring season
First practice – Apr. 17
First play date – May 7
Last play date – Jun. 19

“We appreciate the important and unique role that athletics play in connecting students to their schools, promoting physical and mental health, developing students’ collaborative and leadership skills, and more,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “We have worked closely with our athletics and health services staff and with the Baltimore County Department of Health in developing this opportunity to bring student-athletes back to school campuses for conditioning and skill development activities.”

The sessions will be open to all interested high school students. No tryouts will be involved. To participate, students will be required to register, complete pre-participation physicals, and sign parent/student participation acknowledgement statements. Students will be encouraged, but not required, to receive flu shots.

In addition, participation will require that students adhere to several requirements such as wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, bringing their own water bottles and hand sanitizer to each practice, and demonstrating good hygiene and behavior. Students who fail to observe these requirements may be removed from the program and not permitted to return.

The availability of transportation will be announced soon.

The full plan, available online, offers more detailed information about accommodations for students with special needs, inclement weather, workout times, sanitization of equipment, and other procedures to protect students and staff from COVID-19.

In addition to the in-person voluntary conditioning and skill development sessions, BCPS will continue to offer virtual coaching and conditioning to high school student-athletes through the first semester, which ends Jan. 29, 2021.

Four Eastside Schools Named Best for Athletes


Baltimore County Public Schools announced that 13 of its schools was named in the top 50 schools in the region for athletes. The list compiled by Niche, based on data from the U.S. Department of Education and the region consists of schools from Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, and Howard counties. Sparrows Point High School was ranked 8th, Perry Hall ranked 11th, Eastern Tech 30th and Kenwood 45th.

Most for Athletes
School, ranking

Hereford High School, 1st
Sparrows Point High School, 8th
Milford Mill Academy, 9th
Dulaney High School, 10th
Perry Hall High School, 11th
Franklin High School, 12th
New Town High School, 14th
Towson High School, 19th
Eastern Technical High School, 30th
Loch Raven High School, 35th
Pikesville High School, 44th
Kenwood High School, 45th
Randallstown High School, 47th

BCPS Working on Plan for High School Fall Sports


Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams said he is consulting with BCPS officials about the possibility of starting high schools this fall.

This is after State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon announced that schools may resume high school fall sports as soon as Oct. 7.

“I recognize that athletics plays a vital role in the educational success and engagement of students,” Williams said. “In light of the State Superintendent’s announcement, I am consulting with our Office of Athletics, athletic directors, Return to Play Committee, and Baltimore County Health Department to determine if and how adjustments to our plan can be safely made. If adjustments can be safely made, we will share those adjustments with the community.”

Earlier this summer, BCPS convened a Return to Play Committee. This committee worked with school system medical staff and the Baltimore County Health Department to determine that, based on then-current health conditions, it would be safest for BCPS to begin the year with a virtual coaching and support program and move toward possible in-person athletics during the spring. This approach was endorsed by Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) guidance and supported by the MPSSAA’s eventual decision to cancel the start of athletics for fall 2020.

State Allows Fall High School Sports to Start Oct. 7


Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Karen B. Salmon, Ph.D. announced the ability for each local school system (LSS) to officially start the interscholastic athletic fall season in Maryland secondary schools beginning Wednesday, Oct. 7

The decision of the State Superintendent was reached after recent discussions with the State Board of Education, the 24 local school system Superintendents, the Executive Director of the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA), parents, and other stakeholders. Additional considerations included current health metrics and guidance provided by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) as Maryland continues to operate in the early portion of Stage Three of its Roadmap to Recovery plan.

Local school systems, at their discretion, may opt into commencing a fall competition season or playing all three sport seasons within the Two-Semester Plan option announced by the MPSSAA on Sept. 11. By electing to begin fall sports now, LSSs have the ability to start competitions on Oct. 27 and play into the second week of December.
The decision also affords greater opportunities for winter and spring sport competition during the 2020-2021 academic year.

October 7 Option For Fall Sports

All school systems shall, as soon as possible, provide conditioning and training opportunities utilizing the current available options provided by the MPSSAA.
On October 7, 2020, all local school systems may choose to begin formal fall sport season practices in preparation for a competition season which will begin on October 27. All practices and preparation must be in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) required practice regulations, and all face covering and public health protocols established by the state and local health departments.
The state is expanding the seasonal competition timeframes as previously announced for all winter and spring sports within this plan.
The October 7 option provides for seven weeks of competition for fall sports—including cross country, field hockey, football, golf, soccer, and volleyball:
First available practice date: October 7, 2020
First available competition date: October 27, 2020 (Golf may resume competition on October 7, 2020.)
Last play date: December 12, 2020
Culminating event/tournament: December 14-19, 2020
With the October 7 option, winter sports can begin practice on December 14, and spring sports can begin practice on March 15.
Local school systems that choose not to exercise the October 7 option for fall sports may utilize the Second Semester Plan option as previously announced.

All High School Sports Seasons Could Be Held This Spring


The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) postponed all high school sports and activities after all Maryland Public Schools are operating remotely for the first semester until Jan. 29 as a result of COVID-19.

Gov. Larry Hogan announced that Maryland is now in Phase Three of Recovery and there is anticipation that students could return to school campuses in February. If schools open, The MPSSAA has revealed its plan to hold a sports season that would include all three seasons, including fall sports. All seasons would have five weeks of interscholastic athletic competition.

The first sports season would start with the Winter Season. The Winter Sport Season Practice and Reconditioning would take place from Feb. 1 to Feb. 21 and the games and events would run from Feb. 22 to March 27.

The Fall Sports Season would bring with an unusually start of practice on March 15. The games and season would start on April 5 and would end on May 8.

The new Sport Season Spring would have practice starting on April 26 with games and events starting on May 17 and ending on June 19.

The future of the end of season MPSSAA State Tournaments were unclear.

“The MPSSAA recognizes the highest risk, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, is increased participation opportunities that includes statewide competitions among different geographic areas,” said a statement from MPSSAA.

“The MPSSAA will look for creative ways regarding these types of events and make
decisions as we get closer to the second semester.”

County Allows Rec. Sports; But No Tackle Football


The Baltimore County Department of Rec and Parks announced it will authorize rec. councils throughout Baltimore County to hold youth sports in the fall with strict requirements in place to protect the public health and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Under the guidance of the CDC, the Baltimore County Health Department and the National Recreation and Parks Association, the County has developed guidelines to protect public health that includes wearing face coverings by all individuals who are not actively participating in the sport and limiting parents and spectators to the sport.

The plan requires social distancing and prohibits the sharing of any personal equipment.
The County also stated that tackle football is NOT permitted but flag football and scrimmages are allowed.

Soccer games can be played but throw-ins are prohibited and goalies must wear gloves.
Baseball and softtball are also permitted but a clean ball must be provided every half inning.

Cheerleading is permitted by mask must be worn at all times and no stunts are allowed.

Below is a list of all guidelines for player safety:
•Participation in programs is only allowed if you have had no signs or symptoms of COVID-19, and you have not been exposed to someone who has had signs or symptoms of COVID-19 for a minimum period of 14 days before participation.
•Participation in programs requires a signed Baltimore County COVID-19 Waiver Form.
•If you are sick or feel sick, you should remain home.
•At risk individuals, youth or adult, should remain home.
•Temperature checks, under 100 degrees Fahrenheit, are required for players, volunteers and coaches.
•Hand sanitizer should be available at all activities.
•Assign an area for each player to place their equipment.
•No sharing of drink bottles or any personal equipment.
•No centralized hydration or refreshment areas.
•No spectators at events, with the exception of parents and guardians.
•Masks are required for parents and guardians if not practicing social distancing.
•Masks are required by all volunteers and coaches in the program.
•Masks are required for participants when entering the field and while on the bench.
•Masks are not required for players and officials while on the field of play, but are recommended.
•Social distancing should be practiced at all possible times.
•Participants should refrain from handshakes, huddles and high fives

High School Fall & Winter Sports Season Canceled


It is official that the high school sports fall and winter seasons have been canceled as a result of COVID-19. The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) released an official statement today.

“The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) in consultation with the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), and the Public School Superintendent Association of Maryland PSSAM) has decided to postpone the 2020 high school fall and winter competition season during the first semester,” said a statement on the MPSSAA website.

“This decision comes in light of the recent announcements of local school systems to begin education virtually and provides each school system with options for the gradual increase of student engagement for the physical and social-emotional health of students.”

There was hope and a plan for Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) to have a fall sports season but that plan came to an end when BCPS said they were canceling their fall sports season after their school system went back to remote learning.

Angel Park to Hold 5k Race With a Change


This year Angel Park will continue to hold its 5K & 1 Mile Family Fun Run but it will now take place as a Virtual Race as a result of COVID-19. Registration will still benefit Angel Park and runners still have the chance to get some exercise.

Registrants will still run (or walk) their race distance but at any location they choose (treadmill, neighborhood, local park) between Aug. 12th and Aug. 18.

If runners participating in the 5K and would like to be listed in the results, they are asked to track their time and distance with a watch or running app (example: Garmin watch, Strava App).

Participants are asked to run the whole distance (3.1 Miles for a 5K) and then be able to report the time. Results will be automatically updated as race times come in. Runnings can also share photos on social media by using the following hashtag: #AngelPark5K2020.

Registration:

Entry Fees: 5k: $30; 1 Mile Walk: $30

There will be a Packet Pick-up on Aug. 9 at Angel Park. Materials can be shipped for an additional $5. Entry fees are non-refundable.

Submit Results:

5K Runners will be able to submit their results through text or email (if opted in) or through the runsignup.com results page from Aug. 12 through Aug. 18 (11:59 Eastern Time). Participants must run your 5K (3.1 mile) race during this time period to be listed in the official results and be eligible for overall awards. Any questions about submitting results can be sent to events@charmcityrun.com.

Awards:

Top 3 overall male and female runners

If runners intend to compete for time-based overall awards they will need a method of recording their time and distance – a GPS watch, phone app (MapMyRun, Strava, etc.), or a treadmill. To maintain the integrity of the competition as best as possible all award winners must submit photo proof of GPS/run data to verify time and distance (photo of treadmill with time & distance, photo/screenshot of run tracker, etc.). Award winners will be emailed when the results submission period closes and asked to reply with their photo/screenshot. Participants must run the full distance of the event you selected in order to qualify, so for our purposes that is 3.1 miles for the 5k. If a performance cannot be verified, the award will roll down to the next participant.

Packet Pickup:

Sunday August 9th from 12PM-2PM
Angel Park – Amphitheater
9685 Honeygo Boulevard
Perry Hall, MD 21128

High School Sports Still Hoping for Season


The end of July and early August means that the start of the school year is not far away and the start of the fall sports season is even closer.

This year there is a different feel as no one knows what is in store for the 2020-21 school year with COVID-19. However; high schools are still preparing for a fall sports season.

The Parkville High School Athletic Boosters Club reported that their fall season which includes Football, Boys/Girls Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, Cheer and Badminton was set to start with practices on Aug. 12.

Parkville Athletic Director Jeff Markle told EastBaltco News that no official decision has been made on the fall sports season but Parkville and all schools are preparing to start practice in August.

“I was told to gear up for an Aug 12th start date since the state made a comment back in June that everything would start on Aug 12th and that has not changed,” Markle said. “I think the start may be delayed, but we are still awaiting word.”

Kenwood head football coach Derrick Krumholtz said he too is hoping and preparing for a season and is hoping that his players will be ready if there is a season. Krumholtz explained that his staff has been allowed zero in-person contact with students.

“We have been in communication with them all spring and summer in order to drive home the point that it is their responsibility to continue to find ways to work out and stay in shape,” Krumholtz said to EastBaltco News.

“If/When practice starts, we have to commit almost all of our time to install and game planning, we won’t have time to set aside for ‘conditioning’ they need to do that on their own.”

The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association listed a roadmap to the return of sports on July 7 with training regulations during this COVID period. That is roadmap expected to be updated as we get closer to Aug. 12.

Local rec. youth football is still set to have a season, but CCBC Essex had their fall sports seasons canceled.

Many school districts throughout the state has decided to continue remote learning until January. There is speculation that Baltimore County Public Schools will also have remote learning in the fall. Could that jeopardize the fall sports season?

“I have no idea if athletics can continue if we are in a virtual setting. I assume that would be up to BCPS and the State,” Markle said.

CCBC Essex Fall Sports Delayed Until Spring


The National Junior College Athletic Association announced that all fall sports will be delayed until the spring season. That means CCBC Essex will not have a sports season this fall until spring.

“Our greatest focus is and always has been providing the best opportunities for our student-athletes,” stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO.

“Through a unified effort from our Presidential Advisory Council, the Board of Regents, and leadership staff, our most recent plan of action provides a path that keeps our student-athletes competing at the highest level with proper safety measures in place. As we move forward as an association, we will continue to provide opportunities for our student-athletes, coaches, and all those involved with the NJCAA to be safe and successful.”

CCBC Dundalk does not have any fall sports but CCBC Essex is the home to Men’s and Women’s soccer, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Women’s Volleyball during the fall. These sports are now slated to the spring season with baseball, lacrosse and other sports.

Towson University and UMBC announced their schools would not participate in fall seasons after a decision was made from their respective conferences.