The athletes and parents who gathered outside Dan McCoy’s office on a recent Saturday morning weren’t the only ones upset with the Albany County executive about not being able to play high school sports deemed high-risk so far this season.

“I know it’s been a hard issue,” McCoy said during his Monday morning press briefing. “My poor nephew, let’s just say he’s very upset with me. My sister is upset with me, my brother-in-law is upset with me. It’s part of the job.”

What You Need To Know

  • Albany County Executive Dan McCoy announced Monday that high school sports are free to resume

  • The clearance was given after the county’s COVID-19 positivity rate had fallen below four percent for the first time in months

  • Officials say it will be up to individual school districts to decide whether they want to resume high-risk sports like basketball, ice hockey, wrestling, and competitive cheerleading

At the start of the press conference, McCoy and county Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen had good news for all those who had grown frustrated. With the county’s COVID-19 positivity rate now just below four percent for the first time in months, high-risk sports like basketball, wrestling, competitive cheer, and ice hockey have been cleared to resume.

“I, myself, would prefer a more cautious approach, but the way the guidelines are written, this can happen today,” Dr. Whalen said.

While some neighboring counties have already started their seasons, deciding to resume play in Albany County will be left up to individual districts. All must submit a safety plan that’s been approved by schools' medical directors and boards.

At Guilderland, Athletic Director Dave Austin says that green light is expected to be given at a Tuesday night meeting.

“I know they are champing at the bit to get out there and play the sport they have been playing their entire lives, and I am so happy they are going to have the opportunity to do that,” Austin said.

When practices begin on Wednesday, Austin says high-risk sports will follow safety protocols like mask wearing, social distancing, and health screening, which have all been used for low-risk sports that have gone on since the fall.

“We are going to continue to do what has worked well so far for us. We had a very successful fall season,” he said.