The Howard County Public School System has just announced the cancellation of their 2021 winter sports season. 

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, HCPSS has continually delayed the start of their first of three seasons, which was previously set to begin on January 11, 2021. The season was delayed to its last possible start date (due to the required number of practice days before a competitive season may begin), so delaying it any longer would affect the start of the fall sports season, which is set to begin February 13, 2021.

 Because of a COVID test positivity rate of over 6% in Howard County, it has been decided, in alignment with the Board of Education’s health metrics, that the risk of going on with the season is not reasonable considering the safety concerns being faced. 

Virtual winter athletic meetings will continue through February 13 despite the cancellation, with athletes receiving an opportunity to engage with their coaches and the rest of their teams in a safe manner. As of now, barring any setbacks, the fall season will still begin in February, with online registration opening on January 12. 

For more information on the COVID-19 Disease and vaccinations, visit the Howard County Health Department’s website. 

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