This fall will not see the Friday Night lights of the gridiron, nor will its gyms host volleyball matches.
That will have to wait until the Spring.
The New York State Public High School Association will hold the two “high-risk” sports until March of 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“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 Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “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.”
Lower risk sports like soccer and tennis will be allowed to start practice, and later play games, September 21st.
Earlier this Summer, Dr. Zayas and NYSPHSAA pushed the fall season back to September 21st, and released a plan for a Spring season if necessary.
Here is what the tentative plan for Spring sports:
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.