HARDIN COUNTY, Ky. — Hardin County Schools (HCS) announced an immediate temporary suspension of practice and competition for all winter sports on Tuesday. A decision on whether to continue or lift the suspension will be made on Dec. 7.

HCS Superintendent Teresa Morgan announced the restrictions early Tuesday morning, citing the area's rising COVID-19 rates.

“The number of COVID-19 positive tests continues to increase in our community,” Morgan said.  “We feel that this decision is in the best interest of our student-athletes, our coaches and our families.”

Winter sports affected include:

• Archery
• High school basketball (boys' and girls')
• Middle school boys' basketball
• High school bowling
• Cheerleading
• Swimming
• Wrestling

"High school football will continue practice and post-season competition under strict guidelines provided by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association," Morgan added.

HCS will allow no practices until at least Dec. 1 and no competition until Dec. 7, when a decision  to continue the temporary suspension or to lift the suspension will be made.

Bryce Shreve is a digital producer with Spectrum News 1 KY. He is a recent graduate of Indiana University Southeast and joined the staff in November, 2020.