On the day fall high school sports practices were originally scheduled to start, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that some school teams will be able to start practicing and playing on Sept. 21.

Sports deemed “low risk” such as cross country, field hockey, soccer, swimming and tennis will be able to start on Sept. 21 with practices and competition, Cuomo said during a press conference Monday. Meanwhile, “high risk” sports such as football will be allowed to practice, but not play yet.

The status of golf and volleyball was not directly addressed during Cuomo’s press conference.

The fall sports start date was originally Aug. 24 before the New York State Public High School Athletic Association last month pushed it to Sept. 21. High school athletics activities haven’t taken place in New York since early March because of the coronavirus pandemic. The conclusion of several winter-season championship events were canceled, as was the entirety of the spring competition season. 

Last week, NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas released on his Twitter account the time frame that will take place following Gov. Cuomo’s announcement of his scholastic sports recommendations. Within 24 hours, section directors and NYSPHSAA officers will meet; within 48 hours, the NYSPHSAA COVID-19 Task Force will meet; within 72 hours, NYSPHSAA officers will make remaining decisions, if necessary.

Already, the NYSPHSAA has called off regional and state competitions for all sports in the 2020 fall season.

This report will be updated.

From Sunday: Practice Plan: Coaches trying to prepare for unusual season … if it even happens