Dear Fellow Colonels:

I am sure you have questions regarding the status of school and James Wood sports given the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation.  All professional leagues have suspended their seasons, the NCAA has canceled the men's and women's March Madness basketball tournaments and also canceled all spring championships, and other events outside of sports involving large crowds have been postponed or canceled. These are just a few examples of how this situation has impacted schools and sports, most in the last two days.

At this time, Frederick County Public Schools remain open for classes and activities although overnight field trips and some activities, such as the school musical "The Wizard of Oz," have been canceled.  As of 11:00 AM Friday, games scheduled for next week are still scheduled to take place. The decisions of other school systems over the weekend may directly impact our ability to play games even if FCPS remains open and teams are permitted to play and practice. Updates will be communicated on this site and through the coaching staff.

We have taken several preventive measures to help ensure the safety and health of our athletes and coaches:

• requiring athletes to provide their own water bottles. Team bottles had previously been sanitized daily, but this step eliminates any shared containers
• eliminating the post-game handshakes with opposing teams.  A pre-game sportsmanship presentation and announcement will take its place. We feel sportsmanship is a vital component of sports and want to still emphasize this.
• sanitizing all shared equipment, including in weight rooms, etc., daily
• re-emphasized that as with other skin- and air-borne pathogens, athletes should not share clothing, deodorants, towels, etc. with other athletes
• maintain good hygiene both at school and at home--wash hands thoroughly, cough or sneeze into your arm, don't spit around others, etc. 
• emphasized to athletes, coaches, and other personnel that if you are sick, STAY HOME

For our fans, we ask that you follow these steps as well, and parents are asked to discuss these at home. In addition, when attending our events, please try to maintain a respectful distance from other fans. "Social distancing" is one way to help, and our venues are large enough to accommodate spacing for most games.  We need your support, but also to do so in a safe way under the circumstances.

Mr. Woshner, our athletic director, has been keeping coaches apprised of changes and has also asked coaches to create backup plans should there be a suspension of school or activities.  It would be important in that event for athletes to stay as physically fit and prepared as possible for the resumption of the season. Coaches will communicate ideas, home workout schedules, etc. in this scenario. The athletic directors of the Northwestern District have tentative plans in place should a disruption to the season occur. 

I will keep you posted with any updated information. Until then, good luck to our athletes and coaches as they prepare for the start of the regular season next week, and for everyone, stay safe. 

Sincerely,

The Colonel