Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) has implemented several cost-savings measures this school year related to athletic programming for high school students. The changes focus on a consistent use of athletics funding resources while maintaining strong athletic programs for CCPS students. High school athletic directors and administrators were notified of the changes.
CCPS has limited scrimmages for all sports teams to two per season. This helps to reduce CCPS transportation costs related to team travel. Additionally, athletic contests/events are now required to be scheduled within a 50-mile radius of the home school in order for CCPS to cover the transportation of students. High schools are now responsible for covering the transportation of students for any athletic trips that fall outside of this radius.
The transportation guidelines do not apply to Southern Maryland Athletic Conference (SMAC) conference games or Maryland Public Secondary Schools Association (MPSSA) playoff competitions.
For students on golf and/or swim teams, CCPS will continue to transport students from school to the practice locations. Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation home from the practice site.
CCPS has also eliminated high school freshmen basketball programs. All high schools typically have a junior varsity and varsity team, which is consistent with other sports across fall, winter and spring seasons.
CCPS has also limited travel for cheerleading squads, including restricting basketball cheer to attend home games only.
To help offset travel costs associated with athletic competitions that fall on non-school days, such as on Saturdays, coaches can request that parents/guardians arrange transportation to and from competition venues. CCPS coaches are not permitted at any time to transport any student athletes (unless the student is their child).
CCPS may implement additional cost-savings measures related to athletics while maintaining student participation. Questions about CCPS athletic programs should be directed to the Office of School Administration and Leadership at 301-932-6610.
