Gov. Cuomo provides guidance on fall H.S. sports

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Lower-risk high school fall sports, such as soccer, field hockey, tennis, swimming and cross-country, were given the green light to begin practice and play Sept. 21 in all regions of New York State, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced during his daily briefing on Monday morning.

Football and volleyball, considered higher-risk fall sports, are allowed to practice Sept. 21 as well but aren’t authorized to play, Cuomo said.

Last week, after Gov. Cuomo implied guidance on high school fall sports would be announced early this week, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYPHSAA) said it would need three days after receiving word from the governor to finalize its parameters.

NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas posted on Twitter the process the sports governing body would follow after Cuomo provided guidance. Within 24 hours, section directors and NYSPHAA officers will meet. Then within 48 hours, the NYSPHSAA’s coronavirus task force, which was established in late spring, will meet. And finally, within 72 hours, NYSPHSAA officers will make remaining decisions, if necessary.

In July, the NYSPHSAA task force decided to push the start of the fall season to Sept. 21. Originally, football practice was supposed to begin today, Aug. 24, and other fall sports on Aug. 31.