The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) announced Monday they will allow high schools across the state to resume athletic activities beginning on Monday, June 15th. However, every school system in North Carolina will have discretion on when to resume athletic events in their district.
Today, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) announced they will not permit athletics to begin June 15th. Instead they have delayed activities until at least July 6th.
In an email, JCPS officials said, “The Johnston County Public School System has a team reviewing NCHSAA guidelines and developing a plan for the district. Until a districtwide plan is developed that ensures the health and safety of all participants, including student-athletes, coaches, staff members and volunteers, and based on recommendations from our local health department, JCPS will not resume athletic activities, including in person workouts, practices or competitions of any kind prior to at least Monday, July 6.”
Johnston County school officials made the announcement today following a meeting with Johnston County Health Department Director Dr. Marilyn Pearson.
The NCHSSA guidance allowing activities to resume on June 15th utilizes a phased approach for NCHSAA athletes and is intended to help school administrators, coaches, parents, students, and communities navigate a gradual reopening of high school athletic activities. The health and safety measures outlined in this plan were formed utilizing CDC, DHHS, and NCHSAA information at this time. It is recognized, however, that the information and circumstances concerning COVID-19 remain fluid and variable. Therefore, the NCHSAA guidelines are subject to change in conjunction with new knowledge of COVID-19 or changing social conditions.
NCHSAA Phase One guidance contains a set of General Requirements that apply across all sports, with specific requirements for each sport. Guidance for Phases Two and Three will be distributed in the coming weeks in consultation with state leaders.
