As the NYSPHSAA continues to navigate through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the decision was made to delay the start of fall sports by nearly one month.
The organization also set a contingency plan for condensed seasons should any further delays or interruptions to competition occur.
New york state public high school athletic association announced it will delay the beginning of the fall season for about a month.
N-y-s-p-h-s-a-a officers voted to push back the start date for fall sports to monday september 21st following a recommendation of the organization's covid-19 task force - which met this morning for the third time.
The previous start date was august 24th.
In addition - with geographic scheduling within each region of the state being suggested - fall regional and state championship events have been cancelled.
The seven-day practice rule has been waived and schools will have the option to offer off-season conditioning workouts in the meantime should state officials allow.
As of its latest guidance on monday - the new york state department of health still prohibits interscholastic athletics.
In following with state guidelines - the n-y-s-p-h-s-a-a has prepared a condensed season plan should there be any further impact or interruption to the fall season.
The tentative dates would see the fall season play in the spring and each season would be reduced ten weeks long.
Here's a breakdown: under this contingency - the winter sports would be the first season to take place this academic year - running from january fourth to march 13.
--- fall sports would be played from march first to may eighth and spring sports would run from april fifth to june 12.
--- again these dates are tentative and will be re-evaluated as needed.
If this format is used - further determinations will be made regarding potential regional and state championship events.
As of right now - there is no plan to outright cancel any of this year's high school sports season.
Dr. robert zayas: my main goal as the executive director is to give the opportunity to participate for every student athlete in every sport.
Wichoice unfortunately that is probably going to be the case but i think that is a much better alternative than having students have to be told as we did back in march that their season is completely canceled.
We are still waiting from guidance from the state education department so there is going to be a lot of information that is disseminated over the course of the next few weeks and that is another reason why it was wise for us to hit the pause button today, wait for additional guidance to be provided, wait for schools to determine how they are going to be able to re- open and then slowly implement high school sports programs. zayas said there is no timeline or end date to make a determination regarding a move to the condensed season format.
The next meeting for the covid-19 task force has not yet been determined.
Be right back.
Despite the MIAA postponing fall sports, Trine plans to continue their fall seasons as scheduled.
