Comeback Of Sports: Here's When High Schools Can Resume Practice

GERMANTOWN, MD — High school outdoor sports practice in Montgomery County may resume Aug. 12, according to Maryland school officials.

The news comes three months after schools closed statewide due to growing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. A spring without sports stung — especially for graduating seniors who were already reeling with the realization that prom, graduation, and other major academic milestones were in jeopardy.

For returning student athletes, getting back on the field will be a welcome reprieve. But practice will be different.

For the foreseeable future, training must operate within the same guidelines that were previously announced for youth sports programs, according to state officials.

Practices also must follow health and safety rules set forth by the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association.

"Athletes have had a prolonged break from organized sports and conditioning," the Maryland State Department of Education wrote in a letter. "Although some athletes may have continued independent strength and conditioning and cardiovascular training, some athletes may return deconditioned. Coaches need to reassess the physical conditioning status of all athletes on their return and plan for a graduated return in duration, frequency, and intensity of athletics."

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