Section II postpones all high school sports until April 19
TROY, NY » Section II officially announced Friday that all high school sports scheduled for spring competition will be postponed until April 19.
In a press release, Section
II and Executive Director Ed Dopp state, “As the entire state and nation have been dealing with the COVID-19 Virus pandemic for the past few weeks, Section 2 continues to be in communication with many local health departments, state health department, and continually with the many local health departments, state health department, and continually monitoring the NYSED and Federal information that is coming out. We feel that we are in an unprecedented and emergency situation and the Section is taking this action to do our part in protecting student athletes and entire
school communities.”
The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) confirmed yesterday that all Winter Championships will be postponed until further notice. Competing in championships were Shen Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball, Averill Park Girl’s Basketball, and Bethlehem Central Ice Hockey.
“Effective immediately, in an abundance of caution, we have made the decision that all of our member schools must postpone all scrimmages, non-league, and league contests until April 19, 2020,” said the press release from Section 2. “In essence to not send or receive any student-athletes and spectators from outside of your own district onto your campus.”
On Thursday, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo placed an indefinite ban on most gatherings of more than 500 people. Cuomo resisted calls to close public schools across New York during a news conference on Friday. Cuomo deferred to local districts making the decision to close schools as they find necessary.
“In the absence of a directive from proper authorities to close school districts and or school extracurricular athletics, it is the home school districts decision as to the continuance of the interscholastic athletic programs within their district (practice),” said the press release. “The Section’s action is being put in place to help minimize the spread of the virus throughout our school communities.”
The suspension of the spring season comes on the heels of professional sports leagues such as Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, and the National Basketball League all suspending or cancelling their seasons.
Locally, RPI, UAlbany, Skidmore, and Saint Rose have all ceased competition for the spring season. Siena is currently not allowing spectators at their spring sports competitions while the cancelation of the MAAC and March Madness Tournament’s ended the Siena Men’s Basketball season.
“This action will help serve the public health crisis and at the same time provide an equal playing field for all of our member schools,” said the press release from Section 2. “The Section will continue to monitor the situation and work to put plans in place for the future of the remaining Winter and all Spring sports within our Section.”