The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announced on Wednesday that "high-risk" football, volleyball, and competitive cheer fall seasons will be postponed until March 1, 2021.

The NYSPHSAA cites membership concerns associated with high-risk fall sports for the decision.

“We’ve spent two days speaking with nearly 500 athletic directors across the state and it’s clear that administering high-risk fall sports during the COVID-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge for our member schools,” said NYSPHSAA executive director Dr. Robert Zayas. “These are unprecedented times and unfortunately, difficult decisions will have to be made to address this ongoing crisis. We continue to stay committed to providing support to our member schools and quality participation experiences for the students we serve.”

The football, volleyball, and fall competitive cheer seasons will be referred to as “Fall Sports Season II” in March.

Low and moderate risk fall sports can still begin to practice on September 21, as previously announced. 

The NYSPHSAA says the start date for the spring sports has been moved to April 19. 

“The NYSPHSAA officers have determined it would be unrealistic to host football, volleyball and competitive cheer seasons this fall,” said NYSPHSAA president Julie Bergman. “This continues to be the most challenging situation educators have ever addressed. I, along with my fellow officers, believe the participation experiences for football, volleyball and competitive cheer athletes will be more beneficial in the spring than in the fall.”