MCPS is requiring Poms to wear masks during competition. The typical Poms competition routine is required to feature 3 or more styles of dance and be between 4-6 minutes. The routines are very intense and every competition has a “crash room” for dancers who are overcome with exhaustion, breathing issues etc., after performing. This was a common practice before masks were instituted. Performing such a grueling routine for 4-6 minutes with a mask on will only exacerbate these concerns for dancers. There are several sports that are not required to wear masks while they are actively engaged in their sport (Cheer, Basketball and Wrestling) and Poms should be no different. Poms is a non contact sport and dancers don't come in contact with other participants from other schools unlike the sports previously mentioned.  Poms should be allowed to remove masks during their competition performances.