Erase Student Athletics This Academic Year

With the decision by Governor Cuomo to not reopen schools for the remainder of the academic year, the New York High School Athletic Association announced Friday that all of New York’s 11 sections have canceled spring sports.

“Many throughout our state were hopeful students would have the chance to participate in high school athletics this spring and return to some sense of normalcy,” NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis has taken a toll on many aspects of our lives and high school athletics is one of them. At this time, we must focus our attention on the health and safety of all New Yorkers.”

The NYSPHSAA had previously canceled winter championships for basketball, bowling and ice hockey last month.

Only six states — Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, New Jersey, North Dakota and Virginia — are leaving open the possibility that interscholastic sports could resume sometime this academic year.

Also in the statement, the NYSPHSAA announced that President Paul Harrica is forming a committee to analyze the potential impact of COVID-19 on the upcoming fall season. The committee includes superintendents, principals, athletic directors, and other leaders from each section.