If fall high school sports are played in New York, they'll start no earlier than late September.
The NYSPHSAA announced Thursday afternoon that its officers have delayed the start of the fall 2020 sports season until Sept. 21, and canceled all regional and state championship events.
Originally, the fall sports season was to begin in New York on Aug. 24, but NYSPHSAA President Paul Harrica, in a press release, said it was "unrealistic" to believe that could have happened, given precautions being taken to fight the spread of COVID-19 in New York.
“The priority will continue to be on the educational process and a return to learning in the safest way possible," Harrica said.
The NYSPHSAA voted to maintain current practice requirements, and encouraged more geographic scheduling for all games and events.
“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,” NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas said.
Should high school sports be prohibited in New York for the remainder of 2020, the association has a plan for a condensed schedule of all sports between the winter and spring of 2021, moving most fall sports to the spring.
Season I (Winter Sports)
Dates: Jan. 4-Mar. 13 (Week 27-36) 10 Weeks *Note: tentative dates
Sports: basketball (girls & boys), bowling (girls & boys), gymnastics, ice hockey (girls & boys), indoor track & field (girls & boys), skiing (girls & boys), swimming (boys), *wrestling, *competitive cheer.
* Because of high risk nature of wrestling and competitive cheer, sports may have to be moved to Season II or season III.
Season II (Fall Sports)
Dates: Mar. 1-May 8 (Week 35-44) 10 Weeks *Note: tentative dates
Sports: football, cross country (girls & boys), field hockey, soccer (girls & boys), swimming (girls), volleyball (girls & boys), Unified bowling.
Note: Weather will have an impact upon outdoor sports in some parts of the state in March and potentially early April. Girls Tennis moved to Season III.
Season III (Spring Sports)
Dates: Apr. 5-Jun. 12 (Week 40-49) 10 Weeks *Note: tentative dates
Sports: baseball, softball, golf (girls & boys), lacrosse (girls & boys), tennis (girls & boys), outdoor track & field (girls & boys), Unified basketball.