After weeks of speculation, ACPS announced today that the school’s winter sports season would be cancelled.

The cancellation will include this year’s boys basketball, girls basketball, wrestling, indoor track, gymnastics, ice hockey and swim and dive competitions.

“After consulting with the Alexandria Health Department (AHD), ACPS has decided not to participate in the Gunston District scheduled games or any Virginia High School League (VHSL) Championship events this winter,” ACPS said in a newsletter. “See the Recommendations/Guidance on Sports and Activities (PDF) from Dr. Stephen Haering, AHD Director.”

ACPS leadership had previously said any sports that could not maintain ten feet distance would likely be eliminated.

“ACPS is aware that this decision differs from VHSL Return to Play guidelines, which do not require athletes to compete with face coverings when within six feet of others,” ACPS said. “However, we believe the need to continue to comply with CDC guidelines for anyone on school property or in our buildings is a priority. We have a shared responsibility to ensure we are limiting the spread of the coronavirus and need to focus our energies and staff time on returning students to the classroom when feasible.”

Football is still possible next year given that the fall seasons sports were pushed back to February or March 2021