High school teams await guidelines

A statewide task force says workouts can begin once regions meet Phase 4 requirements to reopen

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s newly-formed COVID-19 Task Force is expected to issue guidelines Friday, June 12, for when athletes will be able to begin offseason on-campus workouts.

The Task Force — comprised of NYSPHSAA officials, representatives of all 11 sections and members of the New York Department of Health and Education Department — agreed at its first meeting Wednesday that schools may start on-campus summer conditioning workouts, with restrictions, once Phase 4 of the state’s reopening plan is reached for each region.

The Mid-Hudson Region began Phase 2 of the reopening this past Tuesday, June 9. If the region continues to meet the metrics, it could start Phase 4 in midJuly. Guidelines for coaches, athletes and parents regarding summer workouts are to released on Friday.

“From the reports provided, it is clear school district facilities cannot be opened for student participation until Phase 4 is entered,” said Paul Harrica, NYSPHSAA President and Task Force Chair. “The health and safety of our student-athletes remains our top priority.”

“Today’s meeting was our first step in addressing concerns and examining readily available information related to the COVID-19 crisis,” NYSPHSAA Executive Director. Dr. Robert Zayas said. “We are all focused on providing student-athletes with the opportunity to participate this fall with guidance from the Department of Health and in accordance with Governor Cuomo’s restrictions.”

This is the first step toward possibly meeting New York’s start date of fall scholastic practice of August 24. As it has been emphasized by Zayas and the NYSPHSAA since high school sports were canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-March, students will still need to return to school in order for athletics to begin.