Sports

High School Fall Sports Season Delayed To Late September

The governing body of state high school sports delayed the fall season due to the coronavirus.

The fall high school sport season was delayed by a month because of the coronavirus and could be canceled if necessary, officials said.
The fall high school sport season was delayed by a month because of the coronavirus and could be canceled if necessary, officials said. (Shutterstock)

NEW YORK — The governing body that oversees New York's high school sports has announced that it is postponing the start of the fall season from August to September.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announced the decision Thursday. The fall sport season was originally scheduled to begin in late August but was pushed back to Sept. 21.

If the coronavirus forces school sports to be canceled for the fall season, the NYSPHSAA has developed a condensed schedule that would fit three seasons of sports into the second half of the year, starting in January 2021.

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“As the state considers reopening, it is unrealistic to believe athletic seasons can start on Aug. 24 as originally scheduled,” said Paul Harrica, NYSPHSAA president. “The priority will continue to be on the educational process and a return to learning in the safest way possible.”

In addition to delaying the start of the fall season, the organization also canceled fall regional and state championship events and waived the seven-day practice rule.

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The condensed season plan would have all three sports seasons run from January to June.

  • Winter sports, Jan. 4 - March 13: Girls and boys basketball, girls and boys bowling, gymnastics, girls and boys ice hockey, girls and boys indoor track and field, girls and boys swimming, boys swimming, and possibly wrestling and competitive cheer leading.
  • Fall sports, Mar 1 - May 8: Football, girls and boys cross country, field hockey, girls and boys soccer, girls swimming, girls and boys volleyball and unified bowling.
  • Spring sports, April 5 - June 12: baseball, softball, girls and boys golf, girls and boys lacrosse, girls and boys tennis, girls and boys outdoor track and field, and unified basketball.

“We recognize this is challenging for everyone, but the decisions made at the State level are based upon data and statewide infection rates all in an effort to stop the spread of COVID and reopen responsibly,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA's executive director. “At this time, Department of Health guidance presented on July 13 prohibits interscholastic athletics across the state. The association will continue to follow state guidance and will work collectively with state officials to ensure high school athletics will start up responsibly in the future. As an association, we must be willing to be flexible and continue to explore all options with students’ safety as our main focus.”


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