NYSPHSAA High-Risk Sports could be permitted
to begin on February 1st;
Approval from Local Health Departments Still Required
LATHAM, NY – The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc., (NYSPHSAA) announces high risk sports have been authorized by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to begin practice and competition on February 1st, 2021 if permitted by the respective local health authorities.
On Friday afternoon, the NYSDOH released updated Interim Guidance for Sports and Recreation During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. On page 5 of the document it states, “Effective February 1, 2021, participants in higher risk sports and recreation activities may partake in individual or distanced group training and organized no/low-contact group training and, further, may partake in other types of play, including competitions and tournaments, only as permitted by the respective local health authorities (i.e., county health departments).”
“We are extremely thankful to Governor Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health for providing authorization for all sports to begin,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “I am thrilled our association’s member schools will be able to provide over two hundred thousand students with valuable and beneficial participation experiences. Today is certainly a great day for the students of New York State.”
On Monday, January 25th NYSPHSAA will release an updated Return to Interscholastic Athletics resource document for winter sports and Fall Season II.
About NYSPHSAA (Twitter: @NYSPHSAA | Facebook: NYSPHSAA | YouTube: NYSPHSAASports):
The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. is a non-profit, voluntary, educational service organization composed of public, parochial, and private schools dedicated to providing equitable and safe competition for the students of its member schools. The organization conducts 32 championship events and governs the rules and regulations of high school athletics in New York State. Membership is open to secondary schools providing interschool athletic activities for boys and girls in grades 7-12.