BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Will student athletes be taking the field this fall? It's a question school districts, parents and the state are still grappling with.
During a conference call on Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo said guidance on the issue will be released by the state in the coming week, while emphasizing that at the moment the focus is on the classroom.
Athletic departments across the state have already been forced to push back the start of fall sports to September 21st. They've also canceled regional and state championships that would've been held in late November.
The NYSPHSAA says they've been in contact with the state and other health officials, hoping to get some clarification when it comes to competing safely. Dr. Robert Zayas has been keeping schools in the loop via his Twitter account. He posted an update following Cuomo's announcement.
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. @NYSPHSAA
— Dr. Robert Zayas (@RobertZayasNY) August 19, 2020
High schools had to cut short the 2019-20 winter sports season after the COVID-19 pandemic canceled regional and state championships. The spring sports season was canceled altogether shortly after.
During Wednesday's call, it was announced that intramural sports are permitted.
