Possible dates for return of sports outlined

The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association released a statement Friday night regarding possible return dates for athletic contests.

The MPSSAA says all athletic contests are canceled through April 6, which now becomes the first available play date for scheduling consideration. March 20 was originally the first play date.

Teams are required to cancel team practices until schools are reopened, which is tentatively set for March 30. Teams are not permitted to practice until they are allowed to do so by their local educational agency.

The MPSSAA also says teams should reconsider games played after April 6 that may include more than 250 people and any potential opponents that may be located out of state.

The state basketball tournament remains postponed until further notice.

“The MPSSAA will remain vigilant regarding interscholastic athletics and the health and safety of students and school communities,” the statement reads. “The MPSSAA will continue work collaboratively with the MSDE and other relevant state agencies to determine the best route for interscholastic athletics to resume.

“All schools should direct questions to their local educational agencies and be mindful this guidance may change at any given time.”

Also, the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland, which supervises private school girls athletics in the region, sent out a directive to its members Thursday that there will be a moratorium on the spring season until April 10.

The IAAM said in a state that its Board of Governors “will reevaluate the situation on Monday, April 13. League competition would resume on Monday, April 20, 2020, providing five days of practice, prior to resuming any spring season competitions.”

The league also said it would evaluate regular-season standings, postseason play and a possible extension of the spring season at the April 13 meeting.