Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Fall seasons for high school sports uncertain despite Cuomo decision

Jim de Ramos
/
Pexels

About 130,000 high school athletes got the green light Monday to participate in sports this fall; now their school districts are mulling whether to allow the seasons to start. All high school sports have been on hold since March because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

On Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo said most high school sports have a moderate or low risk for spreading COVID-19. He also said districts can hold games if they wish after September 21. Football and Volleyball are considered high risk sports, so those games wouldn’t be allowed but those teams can practice.

David Watson from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association is happy for student athletes but says this decision has to be made on a district-by-district basis. 

“That was really good news for them.” said Watson. “That was the news we were waiting for that they could get back on the field and start practicing on September 21. Lets get kids back in the classroom. Let's get them back on buses. Lets get them back to that normalcy first. And then let's bring athletics back into the mix after that.”

Watson said this decision gives the state and school districts wiggle room as they decide what’s best for everyone’s safety. He also said the group is working on health and safety protocols.

“I think each individual section is going to have to address what their concerns are and what’s best for them as opposed to a one blanket solution for everybody,” said Watson.

WXXI News reached out to half a dozen local school districts about their plan for high school sports. They say they’re waiting for more information from the NYSPHSAA and the Monroe County Health Department before they make decisions.

New York State is expected to make additional announcements about winter sports like basketball, hockey, wrestling and cheerleading in the coming months; those sports are also on the state’s high risk list. 

James Brown is a reporter with WXXI News. James previously spent a decade in marketing communications, while freelance writing for CITY Newspaper. While at CITY, his reporting focused primarily on arts and entertainment.