Buffalo, NY (WBEN) A delay to the start of the sports season was averted Monday, as Section VI and representatives for high school sports officials reached a deal on pay.
Referees and other officials threatened to not take the field this and next week if pay was not increased for the season. NYSPHSAA President Dr. Robert Zayas called for a meeting between the two sides Monday. “Both groups want a resolution for the betterment of students,” Zayas wrote. “I look forward to meeting. Students can’t afford to be negatively impacted by this situation.”
Michael Cornell of the Erie Niagara School Superintendents Association says the sides did not kick the can down the road. "They have a longer term agreement," says Cornell. "I don't know the exact number of years. But I know I mean, I think they tackled a lot of really difficult issues and did it responsibly and with, you know, the kids in mind and player safety in mind." Cornell says he credits Section VI Executive Director Mark DiFilippo, Maureen Donohue of Southwestern Schools, and the team of negotiators for the officials organization with coming up with a long-term deal.
Cornell notes this will be the first school year since 2018-19 there will be an uninterrupted year of normal sports activity. "I'm grateful that our kids are going to be able to experience that uninterrupted. So I think it's great for the kids, they need it, you know, they missed out on the joy value and connection that comes along with high school sports," says Cornell. He says it's important for kids to participate in activities, whether it's sports, music, student government, or others." We know that kids who participate in activities like this are better connected to school, to their classmates, to the community. And we know when they're a better connected, they are healthier, they do better academically," says Cornell.