Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The New York State Public High School Athletic Association is delaying the official start date of the 2020 fall sports season. There will be no state championships for fall sports as well.
"As the state considers reopening, it is unrealistic to believe athletic seasons can start on August 24th as originally scheduled," said Paul Harrica, NYSPHSAA president. "The priority will continue to be on the educational process and a return to learning in the safest way possible." The decision comes at the recommendation of the association's task force on COVID19.
The officers have elected to delay the start of fall sports until September 21st, cancel regional and state championship events, waive the seven day practice rule, maintain current practice requirements, encourage geographic scheduling for games, and schools would have the option to offer off-season conditioning workouts if permitted by state officials.
If fall sports are interrupted or affected by COVID19 whether it's state guidance, school closings or cancellations of high risk sports, then NYSPHAA says a condensed season plan will take effect.