Section III and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association have given guidelines for the upcoming winter sports season.
December 14th is now the start date for winter sports, but there is a caveat. Sports that are considered higher risk like basketball, hockey, wrestling and volleyball have not been greenlit just yet and indoor track has been postponed.
“These projected dates are predicated upon the additional guidance expected from Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health,” said Section III Executive Director John Rathbun. “Our member schools anticipate clearance and clarification on how to safely conduct indoor athletic competitions during the coronavirus pandemic.”
So, while there is some uncertainty surrounding the winter sports season, what is known is that there will be no section III playoffs this winter.
As part of the hybrid plan, NYSPHSAA wil have Winter, Fall and Spring sports season play over a six-month span.
Below is the schedule for second semester high school sports:
Winter Sports Season – No Sectionals
Monday, December 14, 2020 – Sunday, February 28, 2021
Boys/Girls Basketball*, Ice Hockey*, Boys Swim/Dive, Boys/Girls Bowling, Competitive Cheerleading*, Rifle, Wrestling*, Boys/Girls Winter Volleyball*, Skiing.
Fall II Sports Season – No Sectionals
Monday, March 1, 2021 – Friday, April 30, 2021
Football*, Boys/Girls Soccer, Girls Tennis, Boys/Girls Fall Volleyball*, Competitive Cheerleading*, Gymnastics.
Spring Sports Season – Sectionals TBA
Monday, April 19, 2021 – Monday, June 30, 2021
Season may be adjusted if and when Regent Exams are scheduled.
Boys Lacrosse*, Girls Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball, Boys Tennis, Boys/Girls Outdoor Track and Field, Boys/Girls Spring Golf.
Leagues will establish their own modified sport seasons dates.
*Sports listed with an asterisk are defined by the NYS Dept. of Health as “higher risk” sports. Further guidance from the Governor’s office and NYSPHSAA are needed before they return to play.