By MIKE SMITH
Sports Editor
On Sept. 9, the NYSPHSAA issued a statement on “high-risk” fall sports, announcing that football, volleyball and cheerleading seasons will be postponed until
March 1. The notice comes on the heels of criticism that state officials had not been clear about “return-to-play” policies regarding certain sports. The revised calendar will place the three sports in a “Fall Sports Season II” schedule, which is currently scheduled to run from March 1 to May 1.
NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas said that he believes the postponement will allow student-athletes to participate in athletics while adhering to
state health guidelines.
“This decision was focused on attempting to provide those football and volleyball athletes, and competitive cheerleaders, with the opportunity to have a
quality participation experience,” Zayas said.
The move to delay the season has been met with widespread criticism, as football teams in 33 states have already begun their fall seasons. Soccer, field hockey
and cross country have all been approved by New York state officials.
Anthony Vitti, Mamaroneck’s head football coach, said he welcomes any positive news regarding the restart, however. “It’s good to get some finality
on the issue,” Vitti said. “But obviously it’s not final, because we’re not out of the woods yet.”
Vitti, like many football coaches, argued that the leadership from state officials has been confusing throughout the pandemic. “There have been a lot of measures,” he said. “Half measures, slow measures, it’s good to have something in place.”
The start date for spring athletics, once slated for March 15, has been delayed to April 19; the NYSPHSAA has considered extending the spring season.
Over the summer, state officials had floated the idea of holding all three sports seasons between January and June.
“It was very important the overlap was reduced,” Zayas said. “A few months ago, when we talked about implementing the condensed season model, that was a major concern of our membership.”
Although Vitti, like many coaches, is eager to get his players back on the field, he was quick to acknowledge the impact the pandemic might have had
on his players hoping to land a scholarship.
“You want to create the safest environment, you want to play the safest game,” he said. “But you’d be remiss if you didn’t think of the aspirations, and the
impact of having three seasons between January and June. “Nobody knows what to expect,” he said. “But having football there, having that school
spirit, I think it will generate good feelings.
I can’t wait to look them in the eye and get to work.”
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