As school districts around New York state prepare for unprecedented changes to the 2020-21 academic year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the viability of
interscholastic athletics remains uncertain.
Last week, NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas offered some clarity on the matter, however, tweeting that student-athletes would be permitted
to participate in sports this year even if they—or their school districts—opt to forego in-person schooling.
On Aug. 10, Zayas tweeted a passage from the state Education Department that stated students would be eligible for interscholastic competition providing they
had enrolled within the first 15 days of the school year, were taking the equivalent of three regular courses including a physical education requirement and attended at least 80% of his or her classes.
Zayas added that, after consultation with representatives from the state, it was determined that these regulations would extend to students opting to participate in hybrid or remote learning.
“[The] regulation provides a student with the opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics . . . regardless of the education platform utilized by the school district,” he said. “Students who opt for a remote-only education because of the COVID-19 crisis would be eligible for interscholastic athletics
(when permitted) if they meet the Bona Fide student regulation above.”
The announcement came as school districts around Section I are beginning to gear up for their September openings after Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, announced on Aug. 7 that infection levels had dropped low enough to allow in-person learning. Many area districts are currently exploring different approaches to the school year which include a combination of in-person, remote learning or a hybrid modeling incorporating both components.
Although the resumption of some club and recreational sports was allowed under Phase 4 of the state’s reopening plan over the summer, the fate of high school
sports has been far less clear.
All state playoffs and championships have already been canceled to prevent viral spread between different regions of the state, and high school athletic programs are not currently allowed to hold sanctioned off-season practices as the NYSPHSAA is eyeing a delayed start to the fall season. Assuming infection levels continue to trend downwards, fall sports practices would begin on Sept. 21, amounting to what is roughly a one-month suspension in the sports schedule.
There are other contingency plans in place should state officials deem it unsafe to begin high school sports in September, including holding all three athletic
seasons between January and June. This condensed schedule option could create problems for multi-sport athletes, however, as the overlap between seasons
could force some to choose between sports.
As of press time, the NYSPHSAA is still waiting on more guidance from state officials.
CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
