“Getting our kids back on the playing field and allowing youth sports to resume this fall is critical for the social and mental well-being of our students,” said Hogan in the release. “Now that all 24 jurisdictions have submitted plans to resume in-person instruction, allowing fall sports to begin next month marks another important step on our road to recovery.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Washington County Board of Education had not made any decisions about its fall sports plans.

The decision of the State Superintendent was reached after recent discussions with the State Board of Education, the 24 local school system superintendents, the executive director of the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association, parents and other stakeholders. Additional considerations included statewide health metrics and guidance provided by the Maryland Department of Health as Maryland continues to operate in the early portion of Stage Three of its Roadmap to Recovery plan.

“High school sports and competition are deeply rooted in the fabric of our schools and communities,” said Salmon. “The steps taken today are directly related to the need of our students to be active and engaged for their physical, social and emotional well-being. These programs have a history of providing opportunities for all students, and not just those with the economic capabilities, to participate.”

All 24 school systems have submitted plans to begin resuming in-person instruction this fall. To date, 11 local school systems — Allegany, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, St. Mary’s, Washington and Worcester counties — have announced plans to bring students back onto school campuses for in-person athletic opportunities.

According to the release:

• On Oct. 7, all local school systems may choose to begin formal fall sports season practices in preparation for a competition season which will begin on Oct. 27. All practices and preparation must be in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations practice regulations, and all face coverings and public health protocols established by the state and local health departments.

• The state is expanding the seasonal competition timeframes as previously announced for all winter and spring sports within this plan.

The Oct. 7 option provides for seven weeks of competition for fall sports, including cross country, field hockey, football, golf, soccer and volleyball:

• First available practice date: Oct. 7.

• First available competition date: Oct. 27 (golf may resume competition on Oct. 7.

• Last play date: Dec. 12

• Culminating event/tournament: Dec. 14-19.

Winter sports can begin practice on Dec. 14, and spring sports can begin practice on Jan. 4. Additional details will be provided by the MPSSAA.

Local school systems that choose not to exercise the Oct. 7 option for fall sports may utilize the Second Semester Plan option as previously announced.