Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Karen B. Salmon and Gov. Larry Hogan announced a two-semester fall sports plan in October; however, counties were allowed to stick with the one semester sports plan which Montgomery County chose to do.
The new sports proposal allows winter sports teams to start practicing on Dec. 14, with the first possible competition date on Jan. 4. The state allowed for an eight-week season, followed by a two-week period for tournament play. The spring season will be nine weeks long starting on April 5.
Many students expressed frustration at this choice.
“It sucks knowing we had a chance at a more normal season but the county rejected it,” varsity football player senior Chris Ramirez said.
The football team was looking for another great year after coming off their best in history.
“It is disappointing that the state is letting us play but the county is not. Sports would help us get through this rough time but it seems like they don’t care,” varsity volleyball senior Leila Hamidi Imani said.
Volleyball was looking to make a deep run in the playoffs this year.
“I think it is smart not playing now because we are seeing such a big spike in cases that it could put a lot of players and family members of the players at risk,” junior Mila Pekar said.
Montgomery County will stick with the one semester sports plan with fall sports beginning on Feb.1.