ORLANDO, Fla. — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, six private schools in the Orlando area have combined to form a competitive sports league for the fall.
Announced via twitter Wednesday afternoon, “The Citrus League” consists of Bishop Moore Catholic School, Lake Highland Preparatory School, Montverde Academy, The First Academy, Trinity Preparatory School, and Windermere Preparatory School.
The league includes in its stated goals the aim to prevent member schools from “being at the mercy of what other areas, counties, and school boards decide.”
The league released a core list of health and safety values they say each school is committed to adhere to that includes mask requirements during the school day, daily COVID-19 screening procedures, and restricting competition to only member schools to limit travel.
The schools will be paired with their opponents on a weekly rotation.
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All member schools will maintain their Florida High Schools Athletic Association status and remain eligible for postseason activities at the end of the league competition.
The schools’ Athletic Directors are still working to finalize schedules and a start date.
Planning for winter sports will begin once fall sports are safely underway.
The member schools say they expect to possibly form their own permanent conference in the future.