Sports During Pandemic: AACPS Alters Plan For Winter Athletics

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Student-athletes will start their winter season virtually, Anne Arundel County Public Schools announced Wednesday. High school players will have digital meetings with their coaches starting Monday.

"This is not the place any of us want to be," Superintendent George Arlotto said in a press release. "But this is the most prudent way for us to proceed."

The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletics Association decided earlier this fall that winter sports could start on Dec. 7. With high coronavirus metrics, Anne Arundel County health officials advised against starting the season in person.

Winter sports run for 10 weeks until Feb. 13, 2021. If the pandemic improves, teams will begin in-person competition under protocols backed by the Anne Arundel County Department of Health.

"Beginning the season virtually allows our student-athletes to build and enhance the relationships that are so beneficial not just in athletics, but in life," Arlotto said.

To catch up on the latest coronavirus trends in Anne Arundel County, click here.

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