Restrictions on fall sports, those regarded as high-risk or low and moderate risk, remain in place, although some changes were made to the number of practices required for individual athletes to be eligible for competition. On Aug. 24, Gov. Andrew Cuomo authorized fall sports to begin on Sept. 21. Whether high-risk fall sports football and volleyball will be allowed to play games awaits further authorization. Low and moderate risk sports continued to be restricted to playing games in their own league and or section until Oct. 19.

The NYSPHSAA Covid-19 task force met on Monday and provided the recommendations that were voted on by the association officers. The Covid-19 Task Force is preparing a comprehensive document to guide member schools as they prepare for the return of athletics. The release date of the document is expected to be Friday.

NYSPHSAA executive director Dr. Robert Zayas seemed to be optimistic that there will be a fall sports season among the state’s public schools.

“Unfortunately, all sports will look different and participation will not be the same as it was a year ago,” Zayas said. “But students will have the chance to represent their school, be around their friends and coaches, and experience a sense of normalcy this fall.”