Update: This story has been updated with new information from Shelby County Schools that revises a previous statement made by the district. 

Shelby County Schools reversed a previous statement made about virtual students and their eligibility to participate in school sports. 

Students who choose to learn virtually instead of in-person can still participate in school sports once they officially resume, spokesperson Jerica Phillips said by phone Tuesday evening. For now, the district has only given clearance for conditioning and independent workouts to resume. 

“Virtual students would be able to participate in sports when they resume … whenever they resume,” Phillips said.

She clarified this would be true if sports resumed in the fall semester, which ends the first week of February. Phillips apologized for a previous statement made by the district earlier on Tuesday, which said:

“Students who opt to learn at home will not be allowed to play sports or participate in other extracurricular activities that require in-person interaction inside school buildings. These students could have the opportunity to participate in clubs or activities if they are offered virtually. The District is exploring options for potential online clubs or activities.”

Phillips clarified that sports and band activities are excluded from the district’s decision on other extracurriculars, like art or other clubs. 

“No in-person activities for virtual students, but that excludes sports,” Phillips clarified later by phone. “I want to be very clear about extracurricular. When we say extracurricular, I’m not talking about sports. Athletics is totally separate. Band is totally separate.” 

Phillips has said the district is exploring online options for those extracurricular activities. 

Of the district’s 95,000 students, families representing 24,000 of them have made their selections for the school year, Phillips said. Of those who have responded, 78% chose virtual learning. 

Shelby County Schools allowed its athletic programs to practice Monday for the first time since shutting down sports in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

More: Shelby County Schools athletic programs cleared to work out starting Tuesday