CMS clarifies no decision made yet on school sports during Plan C

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools announced in a statement Thursday night clarifying there has not been a decision on whether to have sports while remote learning.

A survey from the NCHSAA was given to superintendents throughout the state about having school sports this fall.

[WSOC SPECIAL SECTION: RETURN TO LEARNING]

In that survey, CMS Superintendent Earnest Winston said no to sports during Plan C, which is remote learning.

CMS sent out this clarification:

“Statement from CMS Superintendent Earnest Winston 

“CMS’ position regarding athletics has not changed. No ultimate decision will be reached until the NCHSAA announces information regarding the Fall sports athletic season.

“The NCHSAA sent a pulse survey to gauge current thoughts from superintendents across the state. As I answered that survey, I weighed recent information into my thinking. That includes such information as COVID cases amongst our employees and COVID cases in our facilities. That said, my thinking in response to questions in the pulse survey do not represent a change in the district’s position.”

The school district is still waiting on guidance from the NCHSAA before making its decision on fall sports.

NCHSAA delays start of fall sports beyond September 1

High School sports for NCHSAA member schools will be delayed into September.

In a memo sent to media outlets, NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker said several agencies plan to gather in the coming days to compile a sports calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. Tucker said she hopes the announcement comes before Aug. 17.

“At his press conference on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper and his health team extended Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan until at least September 11,” Tucker said. “Unfortunately, this announcement means that the start of sports for the 2020-2021 school year will be delayed beyond September 1 for NCHSAA member schools. The NCHSAA Staff and Board of Directors will review all available options, seek input from SMAC, DPI, a sports Ad Hoc Committee, and announce a calendar for playing sports during the upcoming school year. It is hoped that we can make this announcement prior to August 17, 2020. We want to play sports during this upcoming school year and are making plans to do so; however, the health and safety of all participants, including coaches and other essential staff, will be a priority as decisions and plans are made.”

On June 8, the NCHSAA announced its own three-phase guideline plan intended to help school administrators, coaches, parents, students and communities navigate a gradual reopening of high school athletic activities.

Last week, the association announced they were moving into Phase Two and allowing teams in pre-season practice to begin using sports-specific equipment, such as balls.

Sports practices and games have been suspended since Mar. 13, but the NCHSAA allowed schools to resume limited optional workouts on June 15, provided the school district gave the school permission.

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