Section V looks to move forward with start of High Risk sports for the winter season

Following Friday’s announcement by the New York State Department of Health that High Risk winter sports (basketball, wrestling and ice hockey) will be allowed to begin practice on February 1 pending approval by the local county health department Section V Athletics  on Saturday released the following statement concerning the decision.

“The Section V COVID-19 task force and Winter/Fall II sport coordinators have already been communicating to finalize plans with membership. Section V Athletics has twelve different health departments to coordinate with and will communicate with them throughout this process.

“It is important to note that all high school interscholastic athletic teams are coached by New York State certified and professionally trained school board approved coaches. In addition, our state’s governing body for interscholastic athletics, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), has released a comprehensive resource document detailing all NYSDOH COVID-19 guidance (i.e., face coverings, spectator attendance, screening protocols, etc.).

“The Spring season start date is still set for Monday, April 19, 2021. We will continue to be sensitive to Spring sports that have already missed a complete season and sectional/state championship last year due to the pandemic.

“As always, we will provide more information as soon as details are finalized and following all guidance provided by NYSDOH, NYSPHSAA, and our local health departments.”