Maryland high school sports can return in October, state says

Maryland schools can start fall sports next month

Maryland high school athletes may be able to return to the field as soon as October, state officials announced on Thursday.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - Maryland high school athletes may be able to return to the field as soon as October, state officials announced on Thursday.

The announcement arrives just a couple of weeks removed from the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association’s announcement that the fall athletics season would be delayed until next year. State officials said the MPSSAA’s guidance would be updated.

On Thursday, Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced that practices and competitive golf could begin on Oct. 7.

All other fall sports could begin competitions as soon as Oct. 27.

Falls sports can resume at Maryland public schools

Maryland high school athletes may be able to return to the field as soon as October, state officials announced on Thursday.

The new guidance could, however, change depending on what county school district the athletes are in.

"The law allows and gives the power to the local duly elected school boards to make those decisions, we for quite some time because of our great health metrics and because safe reopening plans worked on by the state," Hogan said.

Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and Weather

According to state officials, 11 districts have submitted plans to return to in-person education in October, including Allegany, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, St. Mary’s, Washington, and Worcester.

Montgomery County Public Schools tweeted the following on Thursday afternoon after Hogan's announcement:

"MCPS will continue with its plans as outlined in the framework for virtual athletics in order to ensure the health and safety of our community. We will work closely with DHHS to review the state’s updated guidance. Learn more here: https://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/pu blicinfo/community/school-year-2020-2021/community-update-20200924.html"

Under the new guidance, winter sports would begin practice on Dec. 14, and spring practice would begin on Jan. 4.