DeKalb County suspends winter sports, delays start of season
The DeKalb County School District on Thursday indefinitely delayed the start of its winter-season sports: basketball, swimming and wrestling.
Practices for those sports are suspended, although basketball and swimming teams may continue in-person conditioning. Football and flag football, which are outdoor fall sports, are allowed to continue with practices and competitions.
''Although, we acknowledge the social, physical, and emotional benefits that athletics provides, the District believes this decision is in the best interest of our student-athletes, coaches, their families, and the community,'' Deborah Moore-Sanders, an interim deputy superintendent, said in an interoffice email to principals, administrators and coaches.
The first dates allowed for winter-sports contests are Nov. 20 for basketball, Nov. 23 for wrestling. Swim meets began Oct. 26.
Football playoffs begin in two weeks and run through December.
