Ad hoc committee to be convened for fall 2020

LATHAM – Friday afternoon, Governor Cuomo made the announcement that New York schools will be closed to in-person learning for the remainder of the school year. In accordance with his statement, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s (NYSPHSAA) 11 member sections have cancelled all remaining spring sports.
“I would like to commend the work of the 11 NYSPHSAA Section Executive Directors who have worked tirelessly to benefit the students in their Sections,” said NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas. “Many throughout our state were hopeful students would have the chance to participate in high school athletics this spring and return to some sense of normalcy.
“Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis has taken a toll on many aspects of our lives and high school athletics is one of them. At this time, we must focus our attention on the health and safety of all New Yorkers. Please stay safe and stay positive during this difficult time.”
NYSPHSAA has stated throughout the decision process, school buildings needed to be reopened by the Governor of New York State in order for student-athletes to return to athletic participation this spring. The previously announced date that students were hopeful to return to school was May 15.
As the May 15 date would have left four to five weeks prior to the official end of the school year, the possibility of having a regular season for spring sports was going to be left up to each individual section across the state.
On April 21, Sections 8 and 11 announced the cancelation of their regular seasons due to their location in the state. As of Friday, 43 other state high school associations have also called their sports seasons in similar fashion according to media reports.
NYSPHSAA announced the cancellation of the four remaining winter state championship events (boys and girls basketball, bowling and ice hockey) on March 23. A week ago, the state’s athletic association was forced to cancel all spring state championships as a result of COVID-19.
Beginning this week, NYSPHSAA’s President Paul Harrica will begin the process of selecting members to serve on an ad hoc committee to address and analyze the potential impact of COVID-19 on the fall 2020 interscholastic athletic season.
The ad hoc committee will include school and district superintendents, principals, athletic directors, Section Executive Directors and NYSPHSAA’s Executive Director as well as potential representation from the NYS Education Department, NYS School Boards Association and the NYS Department of Health. The committee will convene to make recommendations, if needed, to NYSPHSAA’s 11 member Sections to assist with planning and coordination of high school athletic programs.