High-risk sports in New York, having been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, can resume February 1, according to guidance from the governor’s office.

In an “interim guidance” sports and recreation document from the New York State Department of Health, “individual or distanced group training and organized no/low-contact group training” can start next month, with other games and/or tournaments being allowed if “local health authorities,” like county health departments, allow.

High school winter sports deemed “high-risk” have been on hold indefinitely since a December announcement from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. The NYSPHSAA had said they would be on hold until authorized by the state. The DOH's guidance opens the door for the sports to resume.

The high-risk sports include:

  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Lacrosse
  • Volleyball
  • Wrestling

Winter state championships had already been canceled by the NYSPHSAA.

"Today is an important day for the student-athletes & schools of New York state," NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas tweeted Friday night.