NYSPHSAA Upholds Play of Low/Moderate-Risk Sports

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) OK’d the play of low- and moderate-risk sports in the winter, but high-risk sports remain on hold.

According to a report from The Post Star, the NYSPHSAA approved the go-ahead for bowling, gymnastics, indoor track, skiing, and swimming on November 30. Sports labeled as high-risk like basketball, hockey and wrestling are still on hold as the organization awaits further guidance from the state, The Post Star reported.

“After consultation with state officials today, NYSPHSAA has confirmed low- and moderate-risk winter sports are permitted to be played. NYSPHSAA has established November 30 as the winter sports start date. At this time, authorization has not been provided for high-risk sports to begin play. The high-risk sports start date continues to be authorization from state officials,” Dr. Robert Zaya, NYSPHSAA executive director said in an issued statement.

For fall athletics, the NYSPHSAA allowed low- and moderate-risk sports to go forward.

The state’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, said the state will continue to evaluate the situation, according to a report from WHEC.com.

“The issue right now is as we’re seeing the inclines in different parts of the state, we’re not inclined to go ahead with opening winter sports at this time,” Robert Mujica Director of the New York State Division of the Budget said, according to WHEC.com.

The announcements come as the state faces a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases. On Monday, the state announced 3,144 positive COVID-19 cases, a positivity rate of 2.82% which included 1,444 hospitalizations across the state.

“I’m still holding out hope and being optimistic,” Schalmont athletic director Matt Ronca told The Daily Gazette. “I’m still hoping, even if we push the start date, we get some type of seasons in for all our winter sports. I know all the ADs and schools have been working hard to make this happen. There are some things you can do now, there’s some you can’t until you get more guidance. Whatever we have to do, we’ll do it.”