Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin announces return of school sports
Rensselaer County Executive Steven McLaughlin and Public Health Director Mary Fran Wachunas have issued a statement of support for the return of scholastic sports next month in the county, following a directive from the state empowering counties to decide the issue.
McLaughlin and Wachunas made the statement of support for the return of what the state has termed “high risk” sports following discussions with school officials across the county, and parents, coaches and local officials along with county officials in the region. The county has also reviewed the Interim Guidance for Sports and Recreation During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency issued by the New York State Department of Health on January 22, 2021.
The sports include football, wrestling, ice hockey, rugby, basketball, contact lacrosse, martial arts and competitive cheer and dance. McLaughlin and Wachunas said consideration should also be given to allow for music, culture, drama and related activities.
“We believe scholastic sports are a necessary component of a child’s development and education experience and should be returned next month. We further
believe that sports can and should be returned if common-sense and competency are used,” said McLaughlin.
“Sports programs at the school level have a long tradition of providing fun and activity to students, with careful guidance and service by generations of coaches and athletic directors. The same level of commitment in our coaches and athletic directors is present today, just as the desire for studentathletes to get back in the game and safely play the sports they love,” added McLaughlin.
“The county also believes serious consideration should be given to allow a return to other important school activities including culture, music, drama and other activities that promote the development and education of students,” added Wachunas.
The guidance from the county is applied to scholastic and non-scholastic sports activities.