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

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

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

Some will take days to respond, while athletic officials from across the state come together to analyze all the implications. Others can be answered immediately, and Zayas tried to do that on a call from Zoom on Friday night.

The main conclusion is that even after the state health department approved sports considered high risk for the spread of coronavirus for the start of training and games, the local individual health department still needs to give its approval for the districts to continue.

In Section III of central New York, for example, 11 health departments administer the section’s 106 schools. Some may allow high school sports to continue, while others may find them too risky.

On Monday, the NYSPHSAA plans to issue updated guidelines for districts that wish to compete in high-risk sports.

“There are no major changes to the rules, but more considerations that coaches and sports directors need to be aware of when playing high-risk sports,” said Zayas.

Here are some of the questions that Zayas addressed in his media session:

After suspending these sports for so long, why did the state DOH change course now?

“I think this is something that state officials have been considering for several weeks,” said Zayas. “We heard in November and even in early December that, in order to expand the offer of sports, we would have to see a drop in infection and hospitalization rates. At Governor Cuomo’s press conference earlier today we saw some evidence of this. But we are excited and extremely grateful to the governor and the health department to take a look at this and provide this authorization today. “

Can individual sections extend the winter calendar?

Yes. The Section III end date is February 28, but this can be postponed if there is a feeling about it. The problem is that the start of the second season of autumn sports, which includes football and volleyball, is scheduled to start on March 1st.

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

Are there any changes in the minimum amount of practices required?

No. Before athletes can compete in games or matches, they must do 10 drills for wrestling and six for hockey and basketball.

Do local health departments need to give authorization before each season?

While Friday’s decision will have a more immediate impact on high-risk winter sports, it also potentially opens the door to football and volleyball in the second fall sports season and boys’ lacrosse in the spring.

“I think the local health departments will work closely with their school sections and districts,” said Zayas. “I don’t believe that they will need to authorize it monthly or before each harvest. The local health department, I imagine, will provide authorization. And then, obviously, if there are concerns, the local health department could come in, work with the schools in our sections, and then we will make sure that we do everything they think is necessary to mitigate any risk associated with participation. ”

Do athletes need to continue wearing masks in winter sports?

Yes.

“The policy we received at the beginning of the health department says that everyone should wear a mask if they cannot maintain a social distance of six feet,” said Zayas. “The only exception is for students who are not able to tolerate facial coverage during physical activity.”

What is the fan admission policy?

The autumn notice of two fans allowed by a competing athlete remains in effect.

“However, we must keep in mind that the sections have the ability to be more restrictive when it comes to this health guidance department,” said Zayas. “And some sections are considering, if they have not yet made the determination, not to allow any fans to watch the games.”

What about state tournaments?

There will be no state playoffs for the second season’s winter and autumn sports. They are still planned for spring sports.

“I continue to emphasize to our members that championships are not the priority, nor are they the focus. The focus of our association at this moment is the maximum participation of the students ”, said Zayas. “If we have the opportunity to have a spring championship, we will definitely enjoy it. But this is not something that we are spending a lot of time looking at right now. “

Will there be a shortage of employees?

“Obviously, putting more games in a condensed period, we have always had concerns about official shortages. And this is a problem that we will have to solve with our member schools and sections, ”said Zayas.

Can athletes compete in two sports at the same time?

Yes, assuming the section and school district approve. For example, an athlete can finish his basketball season in the winter, while also participating in football at the beginning of the second fall season.

Can distance learning schools participate in winter sports?

It depends.

“The guidance from the health department we received, and this was provided months ago, is that if a school is forced to close as a result of an increase in confirmed cases at Covid, it must suspend its inter-school athletic program until it resumes face-to-face education” said Zayas.

“However, if a school closes and departs due to an abundance of caution, or has stayed away for a long period of time and has nothing to do with an increase in confirmed cases from Covid, then that school district could participate in inter-school athletics and be in compliance with the health guidance department. “

Lindsay Kramer is a reporter for the Syracuse Post-Standard and Syracuse.com. Have a comment or idea for a story? He can be reached by email at [email protected].