DeKalb County School District Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris and her team presented the District’s updated re-opening plan during the Sept. 14 Board of Education meeting, including the return to play for athletics. Decisions have been carefully considered given the magnitude of COVID-19 and school closures since March 16, 2020.

The District will implement a “phased-in” approach to allow athletic and extra-curricular activities to return. Participation is voluntary. There is no mandate for students, coaches, or sponsors to participate. Schools will continue to mitigate exposure by maintaining social distancing during practices and while not on the field/court of play masks/face coverings are required.

The fall athletics’ seasons for football, cross country, softball and volleyball were postponed in August to allow for the monitoring of the COVID-19 situation in DeKalb County before a go-ahead to return was to be given.

All fall sports are returning to practice in preparation for the October 1, 2020 restart date. This date allows the teams the opportunity to prepare and compete before region events to qualify for the state playoffs.

Teams must follow all guidelines as previously set by the GHSA and the DeKalb County School District during practice and all athletic events.

Media attending athletic events are required to follow all social distancing guidelines and wear a mask.

Further updates on guidelines and attendance will be forthcoming in the near future.