Low Risk Fall HS Sports Can Begin Sept. 21; Football, Vball On Hold

The long-awaited word came from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to New York State high school student-athletes on Monday morning.

Gov. Cuomo announced that low-risk high school sports such as tennis, soccer, cross country, field hockey and swimming can begin practicing and playing on Sept. 21. Football and Girls Volleyball (a fall sport in Section 10) fall into the category of a high-risk sport and teams will not be allowed to compete. But teams will be allowed to practice starting Sept. 21.

Schools will have to limit capacity of indoor facilities to no more than 50 percent occupancy and limit spectators to no more than two spectators per player, in addition to implementing social distancing and face coverings.

Gov. Cuomo furthered ordered that schools can only travel to compete or practice against other schools in their region, or in neighboring regions, until Oct. 19. After that date further travel for competition will be allowed.

Schools must follow the directives of the New York State Department of Health. New York State Public High School Athletic Association section directors and central committee officers will meet sometime Monday and the NYSPHSAA COVID Task Force will meet within 48 hours. Then decisions will be and formulated if needed.