BUFFALO, N.Y. — Young athletes across Western New York could be back competing very soon.

On Friday, the State Department of health released guidance, paving the way for higher risk non-professional and non-collegiate sports and recreation activities to get back in action. During the pandemic, the state put sports like ice hockey and football in that category based on its risk for COVID-19 transmission. But now starting February 1, those sports can have competitions and tournaments again as permitted by local health authorities.

What You Need To Know

  • Youth hockey leagues are suing the state over restrictions that have kept athletes from competing

  • The state is now clearing the way for "higher risk" sports to have competitions and tournaments again

  • More legal action is pending

"It's really difficult to listen to parents and what's going on with these children,” Janice Cavaretta, the executive director of the WNY Amateur Hockey League said.

Just moments before the guidance came down, HoganWillig hosted a press conference at its Amherst office as they prepared to file a lawsuit against the state to get youth hockey players competing again.

"We're just simply asking that these kids be able to play games. Because wherever they've been played, there's not been a problem anywhere, anywhere in the country, anywhere in the world where hockey's being played,” Corey Hogan, the partner at HoganWillig, said.

The lawsuit is filed on behalf of the New York State Amateur Hockey Association, the Western New York Amateur Hockey League, and ice rinks. In court documents, lawyers say the lawsuit isn't challenging the pandemic rather the "arbitrary and capricious nature of restrictions" imposed by the state.

Cavaretta says the restrictions have had an impact on children, including on their mental health.

"It's very difficult to listen to parents call and say you know my son is in his bedroom and his head is against the wall and he's despondent he doesn't want to come out,” she said.

Niagara County’s Public Health Director Dan Stapleton released the following statement to Spectrum News:

“The Niagara County Health Department was just made aware of the states updated guidance on high school sports this afternoon. We are currently reviewing it and will be in better position to make decisions next week. It is also important that we have consistency between the counties across our region to the extent possible.”
A spokesperson for Erie County sent this statement to Spectrum News:

“We have nothing to share on this topic at this point in time. Please keep your eyes on the @MarkPoloncarz and @ECDOH Twitter accounts for any updates this evening or over the weekend.”

HoganWillig attorneys say despite the state's protocol changes, they will still follow through with the suit and plan legal action on behalf of other high-risk sports on Monday.

 

NOT ASSIGNED New York State Amateur v New York State Amateur PETITION 1 by Adam Penale on Scribd