NYSPHSAA Delays Start of Fall Sports Season

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) created a COVID-19 Task Force to discuss potential scenarios for the return of sports beginning this fall. That task force released its plan for the upcoming season recently, which was to delay the official start date of the Fall 2020 sports season, while also cancelling the Fall 2020 Regional and State Championships. The goal of this plan is to implement a condensed season schedule in January 2021, if it’s ruled that high school sports cannot return in 2020.

“As the state considers reopening, it is unrealistic to believe athletic seasons can start on August 24 as originally scheduled,” said NYSPHSAA President Paul Harrica. “The priority will continue to be on the educational process and a return to learning in the safest way possible.”

As part of the decision, the NYSPHSAA’S plan includes: l Delaying fall sports start date until

Monday, September 21 l Cancel fall r egional and state championship events l Waive seven-day practice rule l Maintain current practice requirements l Encourage geographic scheduling for games and contests l Schools would have the option, if permitted by state officials, to offer offseason conditioning workouts

“We recognize this is challenging for everyone, but the decisions made at the State level are based upon data and statewide infection rates all in an effort to stop the spread of COVID and reopen responsibly,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, Executive Director for NYSPHSAA. “At this time, Department of Health guidance presented on July 13 prohibits interscholastic athletics across the state. The Association will continue to follow state guidance and will work collectively with State officials to ensure high school athletes will start up responsibly in the future. As an association, we must be willing to be flexible and continue to explore all options with students’ safety as our main focus.”

The proposed new schedule would move both boys and girls tennis to “Season III”, which would run for 10 weeks from April 5 through June 12.

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we live in a world where things are ever-fluid and change day-to-day. With that, these proposed plans can change as time goes on, and the NYSPHSAA Task Force is working constantly to ensure that all sports are able to return in 2020-2021, and can return in a safe manner for all involved.