The fate of fall high school sports in New York state should become much clearer within the next few days.

“We will get guidance next week, and based upon the guidance, we’ll see what we can do,” New York State Public High School Athletic Association Executive Director Robert Zayas said Wednesday afternoon.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced at his press briefing Wednesday morning that he would be releasing guidance on high school sports next week.

Scholastic sports activities were first prohibited in New York at the tail end of the 2019-20 winter season due to the coronavirus outbreak, and that ban continued throughout the spring season.

Zayas would not predict the extent of the guidelines to be released, but was glad to hear of Cuomo’s announcement that they are coming forth.

A few days ago, Cuomo released guidelines pertaining to the opening of bowling alleys and gyms in New York.

“I’m optimistic,” Zayas said. “I always look at things half full, and getting guidance at this point seems to be a positive sign. I am encouraged that we are getting guidance.”

Zayas wrote on his @RobertZayasNY Twitter account: “Governor Cuomo just stated guidance on high school sports to come out next week. Looking forward to continuing our discussions to ensure student athlete safety is paramount.”

The official fall sports starting date in New York was originally Aug. 24, but a few weeks ago was pushed to Sept. 21.

“We had to make a decision to start schools first, then get guidance on school sports,” Zayas said.

The fall season could include no sports at all, all sports, or some sports depending on risk factors in the coronavirus environment.

The NYSPHSAA recently announced a Plan B that would have the winter, fall and spring seasons run one after another in 10-week blocks starting in January should there be no 2020 fall sports season.

“We shouldn’t assume anything,” Zayas said. “As I’ve reminded people in the past few weeks and months, we need to stay patient and allow things to occur.”

While Sept. 21 is the official fall season start date, Zayas said teams could begin sanctioned activities before that if the forthcoming guidelines provide authorization to do so and sections and schools approve.

“Teams at this time are not allowed to meet in an official capacity,” Zayas said. “Hypothetically, if authority is provided, schools could do that.”

Reach Jim Schiltz at [email protected] or @jim_schlitz on Twitter.