Archdiocese Of Philadelphia Resumes High School Sports

PHILADELPHIA — After opting out of interscholastic athletics in late August due to health concerns over the coronavirus, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia said sports will resume again.

The Office of Catholic Education and Faith in the Future Foundation announced Friday that the Archdiocese's 17 high schools can resume interscholastic athletic competition.

However, sports must strictly follow health and safety guidelines.

The Archdiocese opted out of sports after review of local and State guidelines; recommendations from county health departments in effect at that time; and pandemic related statistics in the region.

"After carefully reviewing all possible factors, including the successful opening of our schools, we believe the environment has changed for the better over the past month," said Sister Maureen L. McDermott, I.H.M., Ph.D., Superintendent of Secondary Schools. "We understand and value the importance of athletics as part of the program of formation within our high schools. We express our gratitude to our school communities for their trust and support while we appropriately deliberated how to bring back athletic programs with a commitment to safety in these unprecedented times."

See more about school sports in Pennsylvania below:

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• Gov. Wolf Vetoes School Sports Bill
• Wolf Changes Guidance, Spectators Now Allowed At Sports Games
• PIAA Goes Against Wolf, Votes Yes On 2020 Fall HS Sports Season