HCPSS 2020-2021 Winter Athletics Season Canceled

January 6th, 2021

The HCPSS 2020-2021 winter athletic season, scheduled to start on January 11, 2021, has been canceled due to the continuing high rates of COVID-19 infection in Howard County.

The start of the winter athletic season had been postponed multiple times with the hope that community health metrics would improve in time for a modified season. Unfortunately, at this point, any additional postponement would result in a competition season of a maximum of one week due to the required number of practice days required by the state.

Howard County continues to regularly remain above 6% COVID-19 test positivity rate and a case rate of more than 30 per 100,000. The decision not to move forward with winter athletics aligns with the majority of Maryland counties and the health metrics adopted by the Board of Education.

Understandably, this decision will be very disappointing for student-athletes and their families who had last year’s winter season cut short and this year’s season canceled due to the pandemic. Winter athletic coaches will continue to engage and support student-athletes virtually through the scheduled conclusion of the season on February 13.

The fall athletics season is scheduled to begin in-person practices on February 13, 2021, with the hope that the distribution of a vaccine will significantly improve the community health metrics. Online registration for fall athletics will begin on January 12, 2021, via HCPSS Connect. Directions can be found online.

HCPSS takes the safety and well-being of its students, staff and families seriously, and hopes that all its stakeholders are staying safe during this difficult time. Please visit the Howard County Health Department website for more information about the COVID-19 virus and how to remain safe.

Thank you for your understanding and continued collaboration as we stay safe, healthy and able to focus on instruction and learning.