Masks, fans and playoffs: here’s what we know about school winter sports in New York

Syracuse, NY – The state on Friday cleared the way for about 200,000 high school athletes to begin warming up and stretching for abridged winter seasons in basketball, hockey, wrestling and the competitive cheerleading.

It also raised all kinds of questions that Robert Zayas, executive director of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, had to start answering quickly.

Some will take days to respond, as athletic officials from state high schools rally to sort out all the implications. Others can be addressed immediately, and Zayas attempted to do so during a Zoom call on Friday night.

The main takeaway is that even after the state health department has given its assessment of sports deemed to be at high risk of spreading the coronavirus to start training and games, the local health department still has to give approval for districts to continue.

In Section III of central New York, for example, 11 health departments run the 106 schools in the section. Some may allow high school sports to continue while others might deem it too risky.

On Monday, the NYSPHSAA plans to release updated guidelines for districts wishing to participate in high-risk sports.

“There are no major changes to the rules, but other considerations that coaches and athletic directors should be aware of when organizing high risk sports,” Zayas said.

Here are some of the issues Zayas touched on during his media session:

After suspending these sports for so long, why has the DOH State reversed its course now?

“I think this is something that state officials have been considering for several weeks now,” Zayas said. “We heard in November and even at the beginning of December that in order to expand the sporting offer, we were going to have to see a drop in the rates of infection and hospitalization. At Governor Cuomo’s press conference earlier today, we saw evidence of this. But we are delighted and extremely grateful that the Governor and the Department of Health are looking into this matter and providing this clearance today.

Can individual sections extend the winter season schedule?

Yes. The Section III end date is February 28, but it can be pushed back if there’s a feeling for it. The problem with this is the start of the Fall Sports Season II, which includes football and volleyball, is scheduled to begin on March 1.

“This will be completely determined by each individual section. And they will work with their member schools, ”Zayas said.

Are there any changes to the minimum number of required practices?

No. Before athletes can participate in matches or games, they must complete 10 wrestling and six hockey and basketball practices.

Do local health departments have to give permission before each season?

While Friday’s decision has the most immediate impact on high-risk winter sports, it also potentially opens the door for football and volleyball in the fall sports season II and boys’ lacrosse in the spring. .

“I think the local health departments are going to work closely with their chapters and school districts,” Zayas said. “I don’t think they’re going to have to clear on a monthly basis or before each season. The local health department, I think, will give the clearance. And then obviously if there are concerns then the local health department could step in, work with the schools in our sections, and then we will make sure to do whatever they feel is necessary to mitigate any risk associated with the disease. participation.

Should athletes continue to wear masks in winter sports?

Yes.

“The policy we received early from the Department of Health states that everyone should wear a mask if you cannot maintain a social distance of six feet,” Zayas said. “The only exception is for students who are unable to tolerate a face mask during physical activity.”

What is the fan admission policy?

The fall ordinance of two authorized supporters per competing athlete remains in effect.

“However, we have to keep in mind that the sections have the ability to be more restrictive when it comes to this health guidance department,” Zayas said. “And some sections are considering, if they haven’t already, not allowing any fans to attend the games.”

What about state tournaments?

There will be no state playoffs for the Season II winter and fall sports. They are always planned for spring sports.

“I continue to insist to our members that the championships are not the priority, nor the center of interest. The goal of our association at this stage is the maximum participation of students, ”said Zayas. “If we have the opportunity to have a spring championship, we will definitely take advantage of it. But it’s not something we’re spending a lot of time looking at right now.

Will there be a shortage of public servants?

“Obviously, putting more games in a condensed period, we’ve always had concerns with official shortages. And this is an issue that we are going to have to work on with our member schools and with our sections to be resolved, ”Zayas said.

Can athletes compete in two sports at the same time?

Yes, assuming chapter and school district approve. For example, an athlete might end their basketball season in winter while also participating in football at the start of fall season II.

Can distance education schools participate in winter sports?

It depends.

“The advice from the health department that was given to us, and it was provided months ago, is that if a school is forced to close following an increase in confirmed cases of Covid, then they must suspend their inter-school sports program until they resume. education in person, ”Zayas said.

“However, if a school shuts down and walks away out of caution, or if it has been away for a long time and has nothing to do with an increase in confirmed cases of Covid, then that school district could participate in the inter-school athletics and be in accordance with the guidelines of the health department.

Lindsay Kramer is a reporter for the Syracuse Post-Standard and Syracuse.com. Do you have a comment or a story idea? He can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected].