Metro Schools football teams can begin contact practice

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville Public Schools is one step closer to resuming Friday night football amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

MNPS confirmed Friday that football coaches have been approved to start contact practice.

Metro Schools spokesperson Sean Braisted said the district will continue to monitor COVID-19 metrics to determine when they can start games and competitions. He said all extracurricular social distancing guidelines and precautions must be followed.

“In alignment with our phase-in approach for in-person learning, we will begin to phase in extracurricular activities as long as conditions allow,” he said in-part, via a statement.

Metro Schools began a phased-in approach in September with students with exceptional needs returning to special day schools and traditional schools.

If Davidson County maintains its progress in slowing COVID-19, officials say, the district intends to invite students back through a gradual approach starting Pre-K through second grade students after fall break.

Earlier this week, MNPS told parents they can choose whether their child continues virtual learning or returns to in-person classes "once it is safe to do so." Click here to read more from MNPS. The family decision survey is due on September 15.

Currently, Nashville remains in its modified Phase Two of reopening.