**IMPORTANT UPDATE: PLEASE READ BELOW**
NEW YORK STATE PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION - NYSPHSAA Announces the Cancellation of All Winter State Championships and the postponement of high risk sports;
High-Risk Sports Postponed Until Authorization is Provided
LATHAM, NY -The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announces the cancellation of all 2021 Winter State Championships and the postponement of all high-risk sports until authorization is granted by state officials. The NYSPHSAA Officers rendered these decisions with input from the NYSPHSAA membership and the 11 Section Executive Directors.
“When examining the feasibility of Winter State Championships, it became apparent that travel and overnight accommodations would create a unique challenge for our member schools,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “At this time, we must prioritize maximizing student participation without a focus on championship events.”
The Association’s decision to postpone all high-risk sports until authorization is granted was reinforced by the increase in infection and hospitalization rates across the State. The New York State Department of Health has determined the following NYSPHSAA - endorsed sports to be high risk: basketball, boys lacrosse, cheerleading, and dance group, football, volleyball, and wrestling.
The cancellation of the Winter State Championships (bowling, basketball, boys swimming & diving, competitive cheerleading, indoor track & field and wrestling) addresses membership concerns associated with increased travel, hotel accommodations, transportation logistics and the planning for meals. Furthermore, venue capacity limitations and social distancing restrictions make it increasingly difficult to ensure the safety of student-athletes, coaches, and families.