Abstract
The resumption of school-based sports following the COVID-19 pandemic required educational institutions to assess their preparedness in implementing modified sports competitions while ensuring learners' safety, policy compliance, and program effectiveness. This study assessed the readiness of schools in the Schools Division Office of Legazpi City in implementing Modified Sports Competition. Specifically, it examined the extent of school readiness in terms of school development plan, coaches and tournament managers, student-athletes, budget, trainings, learners' health and safety protocols, learners' rights and protection, and public relations; identified the major implementation constraints; documented the initiatives undertaken by schools; and developed an action plan to strengthen program implementation. Using a descriptive-quantitative research design, data were collected from 52 respondents composed of school heads, coaches, and tournament managers through a validated survey questionnaire. Weighted mean, frequency count, and ranking were employed in analyzing the data. Findings revealed that the overall readiness of schools was Extremely Ready (WM = 3.31). The highest-rated dimension was learners' rights and protection (WM = 3.71), followed by coaches and tournament managers (WM = 3.47) and public relations (WM = 3.43), while school development plan, budget, and trainings were rated Ready. Major implementation constraints included inadequate funding for sports facilities, shortage of qualified coaches, limited training venues, budget limitations, inadequate health facilities, concerns on learners' welfare, and limited promotional activities. Schools addressed these challenges through resource mobilization, capability-building activities, stakeholder collaboration, strengthened health and safety measures, and enhanced communication strategies. Based on these findings, a strategic action plan was developed to further strengthen the implementation of modified sports competitions in the Schools Division Office of Legazpi City.