LINK: FAQ's - ACPS Athletics Vaccination Requirement
Dear Families,
Beginning November 8, 2021, Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for any student participating in Virginia High School League (VHSL) winter and spring sports for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year.
This includes all sports that require a completed VHSL Physical Form prior to participation, including all ‘out-of-season’ workouts, and club sports such as Mountain Biking and Rowing. This does not include VHSL activities at this time (Debate, Forensics, Theatre, Scholastic Bowl, eSports).
The Virginia Department of Education classifies athletics as a high-risk activity. We are committed to providing as safe an environment as we can for our student-athletes. Vaccinations are a critical step in mitigating both the spread of COVID-19 and its severity. It also can minimize disruptions to the athletic season and to the ability of families to attend these events. As an alternative, any student who chooses not to be vaccinated will need to submit a negative COVID-19 test result no later than 4:00 p.m. on each Monday to the school’s Nurse to remain eligible to participate in practices and/or competition. Families will be responsible for the cost of individual testing.
At the present time, nearly eighty (80%) percent of all students between the ages of 12 and 17 in Albemarle County are fully vaccinated. We are working with the Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) to ensure that all other students will have access to the COVID-19 vaccine before November 8, 2021. There are multiple health district vaccination sites available for your convenience (detailed below). Please CLICK HERE to schedule your appointment.
Acceptable proof of COVID-19 vaccination to satisfy this requirement includes the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (actual or photo) or a printed record of your COVID-19 Vaccination Record from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). CLICK HERE to search and print your record if you do not have access to your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. If you have plans to try out for a Winter or Spring sport, please submit your proof of vaccination to your school’s Nurse as soon as possible.
Please CLICK HERE for detailed information regarding the ACPS Athletics Vaccination Requirement, including answers to many Frequently Asked Questions.
Thank you for continuing to support our students and staff and our ongoing commitment to providing as safe of an environment as we can for all of our students and staff.
Regards,
Albemarle County Athletic Directors
Deb Tyson - Albemarle High School
Matthew Pearman, Sr. - Monticello High School
Steve Heon - Western Albemarle High School