NYSPHSAA cancels winter sports state championship events, postpones high-risk sports
State high school athletic officials explain decision to cancel winter state championship events, and postpone high-risk sports until receiving authorization from state officials.
The high school winter sports season.
Sports director spencer davidson joins us live in studio with the latest.
Jason - much like we saw in the fall - there will be no state championships for winter sports this academic year - and we're back to an indefinite pause for high-risk sports.
The new york state public high school athletic association has announced the cancellation of all winter sports state championship events for the upcoming season regardless of risk categorization.
In addition - the association has now postponed high-risk sports indefinitely until authorization is granted by state officials.
This takes the previous start date of january fourth for high-risk sports off the table.
Low and moderate- risk regular season sports will still be permitted and begin here on the 14th.
Despite the decision's made today - state high school athletic officials say the delays do not indicate a complete cancellation of the season is imminent and that they are still focused on offering some type of competition this school year.
Dr. robert zayas: it's our goal that we will have a high risk winter sports season, when that will be is contingent on authorization from our state officials....we just decided to go ahead as an association postpone until authorization is granted without specifically establishing a target or goal date.
As of now - spring sports state championship events remain on the schedule - however the postponement of play applies to high-risk sports of all seasons not just winter - so even sports like football in fall two - or boys lacrosse in the spring will have to wait for authorization to play from state officials whenever that may be.
Zayas said that schools will need about two or three weeks to prepare to implement a plan to return to play once authorization is given which will factor when a potential start date would be.
