MCPS Mandates Vaccinations for Winter and Spring Athletes

by Lizzy Hermosilla ‘23

In an update to its operation plan for athletics MCPS announced in mid-September that starting November 15 all high school and eligible middle school students athletes will be required to submit proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 in order to participate in the winter sport season. This mandate includes students who volunteer as team managers and athletes participating in the 2022 spring sports season. And effective October 29 face coverings will not be required indoors for student athletes actively participating in contests, but they will still be required to wear masks during practices. Additionally, spectators will still be required to wear face coverings at all times during indoor sports competitions.

MCPS defines fully vaccinated as two weeks post the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks post the first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. As of October 1, MCPS is allowing athletes only medical exemption from the new vaccine mandate which is unlike the MCPS staff and coaches vaccination mandate, which allows for religious exemptions.

The decision for mandatory vaccination for student athletes is supported by MCPS Athletics Covid-19 Task Force, which has representatives from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (MCDHHS) and the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “MCPS’ top priority is keeping schools open and students and staff safe,” the MCPS FAQ states. “Vaccinations play a critical role in supporting this priority and minimizing interruptions to in-person learning and program activities. Furthermore, with the indoor activities offered in the winter season, vaccinations will be key to ensuring that activities continue in the safest environment possible.”

MCPS joins other counties in the DMV with similar mandates, such as Baltimore and Howard County. In Baltimore County a very similar vaccine mandate was put in place for winter and spring high school athletes; however, Baltimore saw a large push back from parents. The Baltimore Sun reported that “A grassroots group of parents who have pressed for schools to reopen throughout the pandemic already [mounted] opposition to the vaccine policy.” MCPS has seen the opposite reaction to the mandate. “We have had a few parents ask questions, but no pushback on the mandate that I am aware of,” said Jason Woodward, Sherwood’s athletic director.

MCPS employees also must comply with a similar mandate, and are required to submit proof of vaccination by October 29. If this is not done by the specified date, employee disciplinary measures are to be taken. This mandate has faced some opposition, and the Bethesda Beat reported that wide scale non-compliance could lead to large staffing shortages. “More than 300 people [as of September 27] have signed an online petition against the mandate, demanding that the district reverse course to allow those who do not wish to be vaccinated to instead undergo weekly testing.” In Howard County, student athletes have the choice to be fully vaccinated or undergo weekly Covid-19 testing which differs from MCPS employee and student athlete vaccination policy.